Florida Atlantic University will publicly host a 4,400+ annealing quantum computer, becoming the first university in Florida to do so through its partnership with D-Wave Quantum Inc. This capability underpins a new $200,000 cooperative agreement, one of only nine such awards given to organizations across eight states. The funding will establish a regional quantum cybersecurity workforce ecosystem serving Palm Beach and Broward counties and the Treasure Coast counties of Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River, addressing a critical gap in training for emerging threats.

FAU and D-Wave Launch Quantum Cybersecurity Workforce Ecosystem

Florida Atlantic University will integrate a D-Wave Advantage2 quantum computer, a 4,400+ annealing qubit system, into its academic programs, becoming the first Florida university to publicly host such a machine. This addition directly supports a new National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) grant focused on building a regional quantum cybersecurity workforce ecosystem spanning Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.

The program aims to address a critical gap in training professionals to secure systems against emerging quantum threats by using existing FAU cybersecurity initiatives like its NSF-supported CyberCorps SFS and CyberTraining programs. The $200,000 NIST cooperative agreement positions FAU among nine organizations in eight states selected for the Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development program.

This competitive selection emphasises the university’s growing expertise in quantum computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and power infrastructure systems. “D-Wave is proud to partner with Florida Atlantic University on this important project to prepare the next generation of quantum and cybersecurity professionals,” a D-Wave representative stated, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative. FAU’s approach will combine D-Wave’s quantum technologies with academic strengths and established regional partnerships to create a talent pipeline.

The project will use FAU’s quantum platforms and simulation resources alongside the newly installed quantum computer. “Quantum computing is changing not only what computers can do, but also what cybersecurity professionals need to know,” said Tang, emphasizing the evolving skill set required in the field. Stella Batalama, Ph.

D-Wave is proud to partner with Florida Atlantic University on this important project to prepare the next generation of quantum and cybersecurity professionals.
Allison Schwartz, senior vice president of global government relations and public affairs at D-Wave

FAU’s InETech Center Supports Hands-on Quantum Cybersecurity Training

Yufei Tang, associate professor in FAU’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, will lead the project, titled “Building the Quantum Cybersecurity Workforce in the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Region.” Tang also directs the FPL Center for Intelligent Energy Technologies (InETech) and is a faculty fellow within FAU’s Institute for Smarter Cities, Spaces, and Health, positioning the initiative within established research infrastructure. The project’s design centers on practical experience, integrating quantum computing with cybersecurity challenges as they emerge in real-world systems, rather than theoretical study.

InETech will provide a research and training environment focused on power and energy systems, incorporating advanced simulation and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities for hands-on learning. The initiative extends beyond university walls through a network of academic, industry and government partners, including D-Wave Quantum Inc. and the InfraGard South Florida Members Alliance, which facilitates collaboration between the FBI and private-sector critical infrastructure stakeholders. The School District of Palm Beach County, Broward County Public Schools and Alexander D. Henderson University School, FAU’s laboratory school, are also involved, broadening the program’s reach to K-12 students.

Participants will engage in a Quantum Cybersecurity Workshop Series, using reusable curriculum, case studies and online training materials aligned with the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity and CyberSeek, ensuring relevance to industry standards. “This project will bring together quantum computing, cybersecurity and critical-infrastructure expertise, to give participants practical experience with the technologies and security challenges that are emerging now,” said Tang.

“By combining hands-on training, real-world case studies, access to quantum computing resources and direct engagement with industry and government partners, we want to create a workforce that is prepared to secure systems in a quantum-enabled future.” The cooperative agreement specifically targets workforce development in Palm Beach and Broward counties, as well as the Treasure Coast counties of Martin, St. This localized approach aims to build a sustainable pipeline of quantum cybersecurity professionals within South Florida’s critical infrastructure sectors.