Significant Federal Funding for Florida Polytechnic University’s AI and Cybersecurity Initiatives
LAKELAND, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Florida Polytechnic University is set to enhance its cybersecurity and artificial intelligence education programs significantly, thanks to an infusion of $2.9 million in federal funding dedicated to the establishment of the Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL).
This funding will underpin a state-of-the-art facility designed to facilitate practical cybersecurity operations and applied AI, all within a secure, student-centric environment.
The federal allocation was advocated by Congressman Scott Franklin, who serves Florida’s 18th Congressional District, where the university is situated.
“Florida Poly’s ongoing growth and excellence have positioned it as a critical innovation hub within FL-18,” remarked Franklin.
“I am honored to have secured $2.9 million in FY26 funding for the Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory, enhancing hands-on training in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, while bolstering workforce development, public safety, and national security.”
This federal investment is emblematic of the increasing recognition of Florida Polytechnic University as a leader in cybersecurity and applied AI advancements.
“We express our profound gratitude to Congressman Franklin for his unwavering support for Florida Poly and for acknowledging the national significance of our work,” stated Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of Florida Poly.
“This investment empowers our students and faculty to pioneer real-world cybersecurity and AI solutions that fortify our communities and propel innovation throughout Florida and beyond.”
In October, Florida Poly entered into a partnership with Sittadel, a prominent player in private cybersecurity services, to inaugurate a student-operated Security Operations Center (SOC) on campus.
This center swiftly began to deliver advanced cybersecurity defenses tailored to industry requirements while preparing graduates for success in this rapidly evolving sector.
The newly secured funding will enhance the SOC’s capabilities by incorporating network operations and research and development (R&D) functionalities.
As the initiative transitions to the second level of the university’s Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center, PSAIL will also introduce an AI research lab dedicated to public safety. This lab will bolster Florida Poly’s collaboration with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office by providing technical and research support to its AI Investigation Unit.
PSAIL will comprise two integrated, secure domains: the network and security operations center, serving as the university’s principal hub for network oversight and cybersecurity defense, and the AI solutions lab dedicated to applied AI development and testing for public service and safety applications.
Students and industry stakeholders can anticipate significant enhancements to the SOC’s existing functionalities, as noted by Cole Allen, Florida Poly’s Vice President and Chief Information Officer.
“With PSAIL, we will elevate our current student-led Security Operations Center into a nucleus for advanced cybersecurity operations and public safety-oriented AI research,” Allen articulated.
“By merging dedicated R&D, our students will acquire hands-on experience tackling real-world challenges, including network security and the formulation of AI solutions aimed at enhancing public safety.”
Allen elaborated that students have already contributed to client-oriented projects, encompassing threat detection, code and policy assessments, and product innovation.
These experiences emulate the roles of professional security analysts in security operations centers, enhancing students’ resumes and their practical expertise.
“This aligns seamlessly with our mission,” he emphasized. “We deliver practical, solutions-driven research that addresses genuine industry and government challenges while contributing to the rising demand for cybersecurity and AI proficiency.” Cision
Source link: Finance.yahoo.com.
