With the digital landscape becoming increasingly complex and vital to public infrastructure, the demand for a highly skilled technology workforce has never been more urgent. Florida Polytechnic University is directly addressing this national need, having recently been awarded $2.9 million in federal funding to establish the Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL), a next-generation facility dedicated to hands-on education in cybersecurity and applied artificial intelligence. Championed by Congressman Scott Franklin, this significant investment underscores the university’s growing prominence as a pivotal innovation hub in these critical sectors. The new laboratory is poised to create a dynamic, student-driven environment that not only cultivates practical skills but also generates tangible solutions for real-world problems, positioning Florida Poly at the forefront of technological advancement and workforce preparedness for the challenges of today and tomorrow. This initiative promises to be a cornerstone of the region’s technological growth.
Fostering Innovation and Practical Skills
The primary objective of the Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory is to serve as a strategic investment in workforce development, public safety, and national security by creating a secure, immersive learning ecosystem. University President Dr. Devin Stephenson highlighted that this funding will be instrumental in empowering both students and faculty to lead innovation and effectively tackle complex challenges within Florida and across the nation. PSAIL is designed to move beyond traditional classroom instruction, offering a controlled yet realistic environment where students can engage directly with the tools and techniques used by industry professionals. By focusing on applied learning, the laboratory will ensure graduates possess not just theoretical knowledge but also the critical, hands-on experience required to make an immediate impact in their careers. This approach directly addresses the skills gap often cited by employers in high-tech fields, making Florida Poly graduates exceptionally competitive and prepared for the evolving demands of the AI and cybersecurity industries.
A Hub for Collaborative Defense and Development
The new facility, to be housed within the modern Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center, was structured with a dual-purpose design to create a comprehensive and integrated learning environment. One component established a full-scale network and security operations center, which became the university’s central hub for network monitoring and cyber defense, significantly enhancing the capabilities of the student-powered Security Operations Center (SOC) launched in partnership with the cybersecurity firm Sittadel. This expansion integrated crucial network operations and research and development functions directly into the SOC. The second component created a dedicated AI solutions lab focused on developing and testing applied artificial intelligence for public service and safety applications. This built upon Florida Poly’s established collaboration with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, providing a specialized space for pioneering AI-driven solutions to public safety challenges. This unique, two-pronged structure ensured a holistic approach that combined defensive operational training with proactive, innovative research and development.
