“We are honored to receive this Connecticut Tech Talent Accelerator Pilot Grant,” said Alison Witherspoon, director of Quinnipiac’s Department of Lifelong Learning. “This funding allows us to expand access to timely, workforce-relevant education and to help professionals better understand how AI can be applied responsibly and effectively in healthcare environments.”

The grant is part of a statewide initiative supported by the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy and administered by the Business-Higher Education Forum in partnership with the New England Board of Higher Education. The TTA Pilot Grant program aims to strengthen Connecticut’s technology workforce by supporting innovative, employer-aligned training programs.

Quinnipiac’s AI for Business Innovation in Healthcare program is designed for working professionals and focuses on the practical application of artificial intelligence in healthcare and business settings. Participants will explore how AI-driven tools and strategies can improve operational efficiency, support data-informed decision-making, and drive innovation across healthcare organizations.

“The program is designed to be inclusive for non-technical professionals. You don’t need to code, you need to understand what AI can and can’t do, and how to use it safely and effectively,” said Chetan Jaiswal, associate professor of computer science and associate chair of computing. “In healthcare, the best AI is the kind that actually fits the workflow. This program is designed for working professionals: short, practical, and useful.”

In addition to funding, BHEF and NEBHE will provide ongoing technical assistance, including project coaching, best-practice sharing, and opportunities for collaboration with peer institutions and employer partners.

“Quinnipiac University is honored to collaborate with a range of industry partners including Wheeler Health, Masonicare, and Access Health CT, during this third round of the Connecticut Tech Talent Accelerator, a statewide initiative supported by the Office of Workforce Strategy,” Witherspoon added. “We look forward to working with BHEF, NEBHE, and our partners to maximize the impact of this program.”