Florida Atlantic University Receives Grant to Train Future Quantum Professionals
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has made a significant stride towards becoming a leader in quantum education by receiving a grant of $3 million from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Strengthening Institutions Program. This funding is aimed at the development of a quantum-ready workforce through a program titled 'Building Florida's Quantum-Ready Workforce: Quantum-Skilled Pathways in Integrated Sensing and Communications from Early College to Graduate Studies.' The initiative is geared towards providing students with a robust education in quantum technologies starting from the early college level all the way through their graduate studies.
The program will be spearheaded by George Sklivanitis, Ph.D., the associate director of the Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (CA-AI) at FAU, alongside Dimitris Pados, Ph.D., the center’s director. Both professors are recognized for their expertise in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and have affiliations with the Institute for Smarter Cities, Spaces, and Health. Their leadership promises to build educational pathways that effectively bridge the introduction of quantum technologies with advanced studies and hands-on research training.
In collaboration with Infleqtion Inc., based in Louisville, Colorado, FAU plans to become the first university in the United States to possess Rydberg-atom quantum RF sensing technology complemented by an optical atomic clock. This cutting-edge equipment will significantly enhance the research training available for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, providing them with unique hands-on experience that is crucial for careers in the rapidly evolving quantum technology landscape.
To augment the educational value of this initiative, the CA-AI team will create and offer a new course focusing on quantum sensing and communications, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the latest advancements and applications in quantum technology. The program anticipates reaching upwards of 100 students during its five-year tenure, fostering a new generation of professionals skilled in quantum science and technology.
FAU Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Stella Batalama, emphasized that the cultivation of a workforce capable of supporting quantum technologies is essential for the industry's growth. The newly acquired grant will bolster FAU’s already established expertise in communications, sensing, and artificial intelligence, thereby preparing students to engage effectively with the forthcoming advancements in quantum technology. As the demand for well-educated talent in this sector continues to rise, initiatives like this become crucial to maintaining competitive advantage and leadership.
Pados highlights that 'quantum technologies are changing the way we approach sensing, communications, and information processing.' His sentiment encapsulates the urgency and importance of providing students with both theoretical foundations and practical experiences in the field. He believes that this initiative will not only equip students with necessary skills but also enhance their understanding of how these emerging technologies can be seamlessly integrated into real-world applications.
As part of its ongoing commitment to pioneering in the realm of quantum sciences, FAU is also preparing to host a D-Wave Advantage2™ quantum computer on its Boca Raton campus. This addition to its facilities will afford faculty and students direct access to advanced quantum computing infrastructure, reaffirming FAU’s position as Florida's first quantum university.
Sklivanitis expressed that aligning quantum education with engineering skills is fundamental for students as quantum technologies advance from research phases to practical implementations. By creating a comprehensive educational pathway that encompasses early-college experiences through to graduate level, FAU aims to cultivate a well-prepared workforce equipped to tackle the challenges posed by the quantum economy.
Infleqtion, a company known for its leadership in quantum technology, underscores the significance of building a workforce adept in quantum innovations. CEO Matthew Kinsella stated, 'Getting the latest technology into the hands of future quantum innovators is essential.' With this collaboration, students at FAU will gain invaluable skills and insights into the applications of quantum sensing, bridging academic knowledge with practical experience.
Funded under Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act, the program’s five-year timeline extends from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031. With this initiative, FAU is set to enhance its strategic investments in research, educational excellence, and innovation in quantum technologies while also positioning Florida at the forefront of this transformative field.
Florida Atlantic University serves over 32,000 students and stands out as a rapidly rising public research institution in South Florida. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Top 100 Public Universities, FAU is committed to delivering high-quality, career-oriented education and fostering community engagement, all while pioneering advancements that will shape future technological landscapes.
The program will be spearheaded by George Sklivanitis, Ph.D., the associate director of the Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (CA-AI) at FAU, alongside Dimitris Pados, Ph.D., the center’s director. Both professors are recognized for their expertise in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and have affiliations with the Institute for Smarter Cities, Spaces, and Health. Their leadership promises to build educational pathways that effectively bridge the introduction of quantum technologies with advanced studies and hands-on research training.
In collaboration with Infleqtion Inc., based in Louisville, Colorado, FAU plans to become the first university in the United States to possess Rydberg-atom quantum RF sensing technology complemented by an optical atomic clock. This cutting-edge equipment will significantly enhance the research training available for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, providing them with unique hands-on experience that is crucial for careers in the rapidly evolving quantum technology landscape.
To augment the educational value of this initiative, the CA-AI team will create and offer a new course focusing on quantum sensing and communications, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the latest advancements and applications in quantum technology. The program anticipates reaching upwards of 100 students during its five-year tenure, fostering a new generation of professionals skilled in quantum science and technology.
FAU Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Stella Batalama, emphasized that the cultivation of a workforce capable of supporting quantum technologies is essential for the industry's growth. The newly acquired grant will bolster FAU’s already established expertise in communications, sensing, and artificial intelligence, thereby preparing students to engage effectively with the forthcoming advancements in quantum technology. As the demand for well-educated talent in this sector continues to rise, initiatives like this become crucial to maintaining competitive advantage and leadership.
Pados highlights that 'quantum technologies are changing the way we approach sensing, communications, and information processing.' His sentiment encapsulates the urgency and importance of providing students with both theoretical foundations and practical experiences in the field. He believes that this initiative will not only equip students with necessary skills but also enhance their understanding of how these emerging technologies can be seamlessly integrated into real-world applications.
As part of its ongoing commitment to pioneering in the realm of quantum sciences, FAU is also preparing to host a D-Wave Advantage2™ quantum computer on its Boca Raton campus. This addition to its facilities will afford faculty and students direct access to advanced quantum computing infrastructure, reaffirming FAU’s position as Florida's first quantum university.
Sklivanitis expressed that aligning quantum education with engineering skills is fundamental for students as quantum technologies advance from research phases to practical implementations. By creating a comprehensive educational pathway that encompasses early-college experiences through to graduate level, FAU aims to cultivate a well-prepared workforce equipped to tackle the challenges posed by the quantum economy.
Infleqtion, a company known for its leadership in quantum technology, underscores the significance of building a workforce adept in quantum innovations. CEO Matthew Kinsella stated, 'Getting the latest technology into the hands of future quantum innovators is essential.' With this collaboration, students at FAU will gain invaluable skills and insights into the applications of quantum sensing, bridging academic knowledge with practical experience.
Funded under Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act, the program’s five-year timeline extends from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031. With this initiative, FAU is set to enhance its strategic investments in research, educational excellence, and innovation in quantum technologies while also positioning Florida at the forefront of this transformative field.
Florida Atlantic University serves over 32,000 students and stands out as a rapidly rising public research institution in South Florida. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Top 100 Public Universities, FAU is committed to delivering high-quality, career-oriented education and fostering community engagement, all while pioneering advancements that will shape future technological landscapes.
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