The Florida Board of Governors recently received an update on the Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology (FAQT), a partnership among all 12 public universities in the State University System of Florida and various industry and government partners. The alliance is designed to advance quantum technology innovation, develop workforce training, and position Florida as a leader in this emerging field.
Chancellor Ray Rodrigues of the State University System stated, “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.”
In October 2025, representatives from 15 Florida universities signed a memorandum of understanding to form FAQT during the Florida Quantum Beach Conference. This agreement aims to coordinate expertise in quantum engineering and science across academic institutions, state agencies, private companies, and investors. The goal is to accelerate research initiatives, commercialization efforts, and workforce preparation throughout the state.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly commented on the broader impact: “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.”
FAQT intends to establish programs focused on education in quantum technologies while attracting new industries to Florida. The network will also seek strategic partnerships with federal agencies as well as private investors.
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.”
Dr. Winston Schoenfeld at University of Central Florida 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.”
University of Florida Vice President Dr. David Norton emphasized collaboration between academia and industry: “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 development of FAQT was presented before the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee by Drs. Norton (University of Florida), Patterson (Florida State University), Schoenfeld (University of Central Florida). More information about FAQT can be found at faqt-florida.org; materials from recent board meetings are available at flbog.edu/session/strategic-planning-committee-19bc2owe.
