The Florida Board of Governors was recently updated on the Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology (FAQT), a new partnership between the state’s public universities and leaders in quantum technology. The initiative aims to connect scientific advances with practical applications, building both infrastructure and a skilled workforce to support quantum technology use in areas such as national defense and industry innovation.
Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System (SUS), commented, “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 SUS public universities along with various industry and government partners. In October 2025, 15 Florida universities signed a memorandum of understanding to officially form FAQT at the Florida Quantum Beach Conference. This agreement coordinates expertise across member universities and connects them with state agencies, private sector companies, and investors to advance research, commercialization efforts, and workforce training.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly stated, “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.”
Through FAQT’s network of experts across university campuses in Florida:
– Workforce education programs focused on quantum technologies will be developed.
– Efforts will be made to attract quantum-related industries and professionals to Florida.
– Fundamental research into new quantum applications will be promoted.
– Strategic partnerships will be formed to secure federal and private investments.
Dr. Stacey S. Patterson from Florida State University said: “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’s Dr. Winston Schoenfeld added: “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.”
Dr. David Norton from University of Florida noted: “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.”
The ongoing progress on FAQT was presented before the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee by Drs. Norton (University of Florida), Patterson (Florida State University), and Schoenfeld (University of Central Florida).
More information about FAQT is available at faqt-florida.org; materials from related board meetings can be found at flbog.edu/session/strategic-planning-committee-19bc2owe.
