PBSC proposes Quantum Innovation Center to power Florida’s future workforce

Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker, J.D., joined more than 350 state and industry leaders at Quantum Beach 2025, a one-day summit showcasing Florida’s rising leadership in quantum technology.

During the event, Parker unveiled plans to transform the College’s historic downtown West Palm Beach building into a state-of-the-art AI and Quantum Innovation Center, advancing Palm Beach State’s mission to prepare students for the growing quantum economy.

Speaking on the “Building Florida’s Quantum-Ready Workforce” panel, Parker was joined by Florida Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly, who commended the College’s forward-thinking approach to education and workforce development.

“Florida is at the forefront of the next wave of technological progress,” Secretary Kelly said. “Palm Beach State College is playing a vital role in that transformation—equipping students with the skills needed to power the industries of tomorrow. Quantum technology will redefine our economy, and institutions like PBSC ensure that opportunity begins right here at home.”

The proposed AI and Quantum Innovation Center will serve as a collaborative hub where students, startups, and researchers can work together to explore the next frontier of technology. The redesign will merge the building’s historic character with cutting-edge facilities—including hands-on labs, 3D printing spaces, a quantum sensing lab, and collaborative discovery zones—to inspire creativity and community.

Through a partnership with Florida LambdaRail,  the state's independent research and education fiber optic network, PBSC will connect directly to Florida’s major universities and national research networks, granting students and faculty access to the high-speed infrastructure essential for quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced research.

“We are building this in the heart of Palm Beach County,” she said. “But we are doing this for the state of Florida.”

She said the unique location of the building near the railway makes it very accessible for companies and universities across Florida to meet. “We want to be that great connector.”

Panel moderator Matt Cimaglia, founder and managing partner of Quantum Coast Capital, noted that this spirit of collaboration is key to Florida’s success in the quantum field.

“Florida is taking an inclusive approach to building its quantum ecosystem,” Cimaglia said. “By connecting state colleges, universities, and the private sector, we’re not just advancing technology—we’re creating pathways for students and professionals to be part of one of the most exciting transformations in modern history.”

Hosted in West Palm Beach, Quantum Beach 2025 brought together leaders from academia, government, and industry to explore the future of quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies. The summit featured presentations and panels from all 14 of Florida’s state universities, along with community colleges, federal partners, and private-sector innovators.

“By partnering with state leaders and universities, Palm Beach State College is ensuring the promise of quantum innovation reaches every student eager to be part of it,” Parker added.

To see photos from the event, view the President Parker Speaks at Quantum Beach 2025 Flickr album.