Franklin Secures $2.9 Million For Public Safety Innovation Lab At Florida Poly

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today announced he secured $2.9 million for Florida Polytechnic University to establish a new Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL).

"Florida Poly is doing important work to prepare the next generation of American innovators and tackle real-world challenges in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and public safety," said Congressman Scott Franklin. "As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I'm pleased we were able to secure $2.9 million to help build on that work. This investment will give students valuable hands-on experience, strengthen our public safety capabilities and help develop the skilled workforce America needs to remain competitive and secure."

"Congressman Franklin's leadership and support are helping Florida Poly take a major step forward in developing technologies increasingly critical to our state and nation," said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University. "This $2.9 million investment will give our faculty and students extraordinary opportunities to work at the forefront of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. It will help build a workforce ready to meet our evolving technology needs and expand Florida Poly's capacity to address real-world challenges that impact our economy and national security. We are tremendously grateful to Congressman Franklin for his confidence in Florida Poly and his commitment to championing this important work."

The Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory will:

• Establish an Artificial Intelligence Solutions Lab for applied AI research and partnerships;
• Create a Network Operations and Security Center focused on protecting network and information technology systems;
• Build secure laboratory and data spaces, including an AI prototype room and cyber range;
• Provide equipment and hands-on opportunities for student interns working in each lab; and
• Support collaboration with public service and public safety organizations on challenges including emergency management.

The funding, secured by Franklin through the annual appropriations process, will equip existing space on the second floor of Florida Poly's Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building for applied research, hands-on learning and collaboration. The investment will support equipment for student interns in each lab, two secure and dedicated data spaces, an Artificial Intelligence Solutions Prototype Room and Cyber Range, an AIS Management Cockpit and a Network Operations and Security Operations Center Command Center. Together, these capabilities will give students and faculty the tools to test emerging technologies and work alongside public safety partners to develop solutions to real-world challenges.

The $2.9 million award will be administered through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and advances NIST's federal mission under Section 272 of Title 15 of the U.S. Code to support research, education and partnerships that strengthen American innovation and workforce readiness. The project will help develop skilled talent in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other technologies increasingly important to America's economic and national security.

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