Florida Poly Secures Nearly $3 Million Federal Funding for AI and Cybersecurity Lab

Florida Polytechnic University is expanding its leadership in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence education with $2.9 million in federal funding to establish the Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL). The funding will support a next-generation, student-driven facility designed to advance hands-on cybersecurity operations and applied AI solutions.

The investment was championed by Congressman Scott Franklin, representing Florida’s 18th Congressional District. “Florida Poly’s continued growth and excellence have made it a key innovation hub,” Franklin said. “I am proud to secure this funding to expand hands-on training in AI and cybersecurity, strengthening workforce development, public safety, and national security.”

Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president, emphasized the lab’s impact on both students and the broader community. “This investment empowers our students and faculty to develop real-world cybersecurity and AI solutions that strengthen communities and drive innovation across Florida and beyond,” he said.

PSAIL will build on Florida Poly’s existing student-powered Security Operations Center (SOC), launched in partnership with cybersecurity firm Sittadel in October. The expansion integrates network operations and R&D functions, elevating the SOC into a comprehensive hub for advanced cybersecurity defense and public safety-focused AI research.

The lab will be housed on the second floor of the University’s new Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center and feature two secure, integrated environments:

• A network and security operations center serving as the primary hub for monitoring and defense.

• An AI solutions lab focused on applied research for public service and safety use cases, including collaboration with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office AI Investigation Unit.

Cole Allen, Florida Poly’s vice president and chief information officer, noted that the lab will give students hands-on experience addressing real-world challenges, from threat detection to AI solution development. “With PSAIL, we will elevate our SOC into a hub for advanced operations and research, providing students with practical, solutions-oriented experience that meets industry and government needs,” Allen said.

The new laboratory is expected to enhance Florida Poly’s role as a leader in applied AI and cybersecurity education while preparing graduates to excel in rapidly evolving technology fields.