Insider Brief
- Palm Beach State College received a $4.95 million state grant to launch a workforce training program in computing and emerging quantum technologies aimed at supporting industries preparing for quantum-secure systems.
- The modular eight-week program will focus on applied skills such as post-quantum cybersecurity, secure communications and advanced computing infrastructure, with projections of 970 enrollments and 570 completions over the next decade.
- State officials and industry leaders framed the initiative as part of Florida’s broader workforce and infrastructure strategy, signaling a shift toward operational readiness for gradual quantum technology adoption rather than waiting for large-scale quantum computers.
Florida’s quantum ambitions are increasingly moving beyond research labs and into workforce infrastructure.
Palm Beach State College (PBSC) has received a $4.95 million award from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to establish a workforce training program in computing and emerging quantum technologies. The initiative aims to prepare students for roles in cybersecurity, defense, aerospace, financial services and secure communications — industries already preparing for the transition to quantum-secure systems.
The grant is part of a broader statewide effort announced by Governor Ron DeSantis to support workforce readiness and critical infrastructure tied to high-impact economic sectors.
“Today’s investments will support high demand regional and statewide needs, including talent development needs in communities that are supporting high impact industries that align with many of Florida’s greatest pillars of investment,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.
State leaders have increasingly framed these programs as preparation for technologies that will reshape infrastructure rather than replace it. In particular, security and communications systems are expected to change gradually as quantum-resistant standards are adopted.
“These three investments support the foundations of workforce readiness for our aviators, cybersecurity, cryptography, secure communications and data,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.
From Physics to Operations
Quantum technology refers to computing and security systems built on the behavior of atoms and particles. While large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers are still under development, their effects are already visible in post-quantum cryptography, advanced sensing and high-performance modeling used in defense, communications networks and financial infrastructure.
As governments and enterprises begin planning for cryptographic migration, demand is shifting toward technical professionals capable of implementing and maintaining new systems — not just scientists designing them.
“On behalf of our entire college community, we are honored to be selected as a partner with the State of Florida to build the quantum ecosystem and create a one-of-a-kind program that makes this emerging technology accessible to our students and local community.” said Ava L. Parker, JD, President of Palm Beach State College. “We are deeply grateful to Governor DeSantis and Secretary Kelly for their confidence in Palm Beach State College and recognizing the vital role we play in preparing Florida’s workforce for future technologies in rapidly evolving quantum computing industries that are critical to our nation’s security and economic growth.”
The PBSC program will initially offer modular eight-week training terms designed to be completed alongside employment. The college projects approximately 970 enrolled students and 570 completions over the next decade.
Curriculum areas will focus on applied technical skills including post-quantum cybersecurity implementation, data systems, secure communications and advanced computing infrastructure support.
Workforce Meets Place
The program connects to the development of the Quantum Innovation Center in downtown West Palm Beach, where a nearly 100-year-old historic building is being fully modernized to support advanced technology companies. The facility is intended to attract startups and incubate companies working in computing, security and related fields, linking education directly to local industry.
“Palm Beach County has built a strong foundation in finance, aerospace and cybersecurity, and quantum technologies represent the next phase of that growth,” said Kelly Smallridge, President & CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. “By pairing workforce training with an innovation hub in downtown West Palm Beach, we are creating both the talent pipeline and the environment needed for companies to start and scale here.”
Preparing Before the Transition
Industry leaders increasingly frame the quantum timeline not as a single breakthrough but as a gradual systems upgrade — particularly in cybersecurity.
“Every major technology shift creates two gaps: a skills gap and a timing gap,”
said Matt Cimaglia, Founder & Managing Partner of Quantum Coast Capital and founding member of Florida Quantum. “Training a workforce in quantum-era security and computing today ensures our economy adapts smoothly rather than reactively.”
The PBSC initiative complements university research by focusing on operational roles required to implement real-world systems. Students will gain experience supporting secure communications environments and next-generation cybersecurity frameworks expected to emerge as post-quantum standards are adopted.
A Workforce-First Signal
Since 2019, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund has awarded more than $305 million statewide, creating over 41,000 jobs and 32,000 workforce training opportunities. The inclusion of quantum-related training suggests state economic policy is now anticipating the operational phase of the technology — not just the research phase.
Rather than waiting for mature quantum computers to arrive, the strategy assumes adoption will occur gradually through infrastructure upgrades, security migrations and hybrid computing systems. In that model, the limiting factor is not the hardware, but the availability of trained personnel.
Programs like PBSC’s may therefore represent one of the earliest measurable indicators of quantum commercialization: preparing the workforce before the technology becomes visible to the public.
