~ The Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology will advance innovation and make Florida a U.S. hub for quantum expertise ~
TAMPA, Fla.—Last week, the Florida Board of Governors received an update on the new Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology (FAQT), a collaborative effort between Florida’s public higher education institutions and statewide and global leaders in quantum technology. FAQT aims to bridge cutting-edge science with real-world impact and develop the infrastructure and workforce necessary to enhance opportunities for the application of quantum technologies in national defense and industry innovation in Florida.
“I applaud our universities for their vision and investment in quantum research and workforce development,” said State University System (SUS) Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Through their collective efforts, anchored by the Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology, our institutions are fueling job creation and positioning Florida as a national leader.”
FAQT includes all 12 SUS public universities, as well as numerous industry and governmental partners. In early October 2025, 15 Florida universities signed a memorandum of understanding that formed FAQT and celebrated Florida’s growing leadership in next-generation quantum technologies at the Florida Quantum Beach Conference. Under the agreement, FAQT will coordinate statewide expertise in quantum engineering and science, aligning the activities of member universities with state agencies, private-sector innovators, and investors to accelerate research, commercialization, and workforce development.
“Florida’s consistent track record of being the best state in the nation for higher education, talent attraction and development, and entrepreneurship demonstrates our state’s commitments to workforce development,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “By collaborating with Florida’s top-tier public and private universities, and state colleges, we are building the way forward for the talent and innovation that will drive the problem solving capabilities that quantum technologies can bring to national security, protecting personal and financial data, manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, military and defense, finance and fintech, life sciences and energy production—across the state.”
The Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology is poised to create a network comprising existing quantum experts who lead the industry across Florida’s universities. Connections built between Florida’s unique technical talents will:
- Create a robust quantum workforce education and training program;
- Attract quantum industries and new talent to the state of Florida;
- Advance fundamental research in the areas needed to achieve new quantum applications; and
- Establish strategic partnerships to attract federal and private investment.
“Quantum science is a critical area of investment for the nation, state and our university system,” said Florida State University Vice President for Research Dr. Stacey S. Patterson. “This MOU sends a clear signal that our universities are united in this effort to use their talent and resources to build the quantum workforce and develop next generation technologies.”
“Florida’s universities bring exceptional strength and momentum to this emerging field. As Florida’s technological university, UCF is proud to be part of the team leading this work,” said University of Central Florida Vice President for Research and Innovation Dr. Winston Schoenfeld. “By aligning the collective expertise of faculty and researchers across our state, this partnership accelerates innovation, strengthens our talent pipeline, and positions Florida to set the national standard in the quantum era.”
“Quantum technologies promise to revolutionize computation, communication, security, and beyond,” said University of Florida Vice President for Research Dr. David Norton. “Working with the state and industry, our universities can accelerate Florida’s advancement in these areas, which are critically important to our economic and national security.”
Dr. David Norton, Vice President for Research at the University of Florida; Dr. Stacey Patterson, Vice President for Research at Florida State University; and Dr. Winston Schoenfeld, Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Central Florida, presented before the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee on the ongoing development of FAQT.
For more information, visit faqt-florida.org and find Board committee meeting materials at flbog.edu/session/strategic-planning-committee-19bc2owe.
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About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The System has 12 universities and more than 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has held the top spot in U.S. News & World Report for higher education since the inception of the rankings in 2017. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the System’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.