The Florida Board of Governors was recently updated on the Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology (FAQT), a new partnership among the state’s public higher education institutions and leaders in quantum technology. The initiative aims to connect advanced research with practical applications, developing both infrastructure and workforce to expand the use of quantum technologies in defense and industry across Florida.
State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues praised the universities’ approach, stating: “I applaud our universities for their vision and investment in quantum research and workforce development. 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 brings together all 12 State University System public universities along with various industry and government partners. In October 2025, representatives from 15 Florida universities signed an agreement that formally established FAQT during the Florida Quantum Beach Conference. This memorandum of understanding is intended to coordinate expertise statewide in quantum engineering and science, while aligning university activities with those of state agencies, private sector innovators, and investors to promote research, commercialization, and workforce training.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly commented on these efforts: “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. 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 alliance plans to create educational programs focused on building a strong quantum workforce; attract industries working in this field as well as new talent; support basic research needed for future quantum applications; establish partnerships aimed at securing federal or private funding.
Dr. Stacey S. Patterson from Florida State University highlighted unity among institutions: “Quantum science is a critical area of investment for the nation, state and our university system. 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.”
University of Central Florida Vice President Dr. Winston Schoenfeld said: “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. 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.”
University of Florida Vice President Dr. David Norton added: “Quantum technologies promise to revolutionize computation, communication, security, and beyond. 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.”
Presentations about FAQT’s progress were made before the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee by Drs. Norton (University of Florida), Patterson (Florida State University), and Schoenfeld (University of Central Florida).
More details about FAQT can be found at faqt-florida.org while materials from recent board meetings are available at flbog.edu/session/strategic-planning-committee-19bc2owe.
