Palm Beach County Assembles Education and Civic Leaders to Ignite Florida’s Quantum Strategy

More than 150 educators, civic leaders, and industry professionals gathered in West Palm Beach for a focused dialogue on quantum technology—its emerging impact, long-term potential, and how Florida can prepare.

Organized by the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County in partnership with Quantum Coast Capital, the convening marked an important step: aligning local institutions around a fast-moving field that will redefine workforce needs, research agendas, and public policy in the years ahead.

A Regional Conversation with Broad Implications

• Palm Beach State College
• Florida Atlantic University
• Lynn University
• Keiser University
• Nova Southeastern University
• Palm Beach Atlantic University
• The School District of Palm Beach County

For many attendees, it was the first structured opportunity to explore how quantum computing, post-quantum cryptography, and artificial intelligence will intersect with education, industry, and infrastructure in the state.

Rather than waiting for federal direction or outside investment, the group acknowledged the importance of acting early and collaboratively—ensuring Palm Beach County becomes a proactive voice in Florida’s quantum future.

Key Themes From the Convening

• Quantum & AI Literacy: Participants highlighted the need to introduce students to emerging technologies earlier in their education journey—through both formal curriculum and informal exposure.
• Cross-Institutional Collaboration: Institutions expressed interest in working together to avoid duplication, share resources, and build clearer pathways for students pursuing quantum-related fields.
• Workforce Alignment: Leaders noted that Florida must build its own workforce strategy—not just to produce researchers, but to prepare technicians, educators, and business leaders capable of working across quantum-adjacent domains.
• Federal Readiness: With new federal guidance around post-quantum cryptography and the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology underway, aligning now positions Palm Beach County—and Florida more broadly—for future grants and partnerships.

Laying the Groundwork for What’s Next

Though no formal coalition was established, the event created a foundation for future collaboration. Several institutions have already signaled interest in follow-up meetings, shared education frameworks, and potential student-facing initiatives tied to quantum and AI technologies.

Logos from participating organizations are now featured on FloridaQuantum.org as collaborators in conversation—not as a formal alliance, but as early participants in a shared statewide vision.

A Model for Regional Engagement

What happened in Palm Beach County offers a model for other Florida regions: bring together local institutions, facilitate open conversation, and identify clear next steps. No single entity can build a quantum economy alone, but through focused regional efforts like this one, Florida can begin to shape its role in a global shift that is already underway.

Stay Connected

To learn more about ongoing convenings, upcoming working groups, and opportunities to get involved in shaping Florida’s quantum future