Palm Beach State College Receives $2 Million in Federal Funding to Advance New Quantum Innovation Center

West Palm Beach, Fl. (Feb. 18, 2026) – Palm Beach State College (PBSC) announced more than $2 million in new federal funding today to support the creation of the Quantum Innovation Center, a transformative hub for education, research, and industry collaboration that will be located in the College’s Historic Building in downtown West Palm Beach.

The funding, secured through a Community Project Funding request by U.S. Representative Lois Frankel, was unveiled during a press conference held at the Historic Building. The new funds build upon $4.95 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, awarded by Governor Ron DeSantis last week, bringing total public investment in the project to nearly $7 million.

PBSC’s Quantum Innovation Center, developed in partnership with the Business Development Board (BDB) of Palm Beach County, will serve as a regional hub for research and workforce training in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and related high-tech fields. The BDB also received $1.03 million in companion funding to develop the Center’s entrepreneurial and programming initiatives.

“Technology is changing faster than ever,” said Congresswoman Lois Frankel. “Employers across the country are searching for workers skilled in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing—fields that will shape our economy, national security, and daily lives for years to come.”

PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D. emphasized the power of collaboration behind the project. “This partnership demonstrates what is possible when education, government, and business align around a shared vision,” Parker said. “Together, we’re preparing students and residents for high-wage, high-demand jobs that will make Palm Beach County a leader in innovation.”

The Quantum Innovation Center will feature advanced laboratory and co-working spaces designed to host start-ups, train students, and attract emerging technology companies to the region. PBSC will also be developing Florida’s first public Quantum Systems Certification Program, positioning PBSC as a statewide leader in developing a quantum-ready workforce.

Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the BDB, called the award “the largest funding the organization has ever received,” crediting collaborators Hillary Matchett and Matt Cimaglia, cofounders of Quantum Coast Capital, for introducing the board to the field’s commercial potential. “We realized Palm Beach County could not only pursue quantum computing but apply it to existing strengths in aerospace, life sciences, and medical technology,” she said. “Our vision is to take it out of the lab and into the marketplace.”

PBSC Associate Dean of Computer Science Dr. Luis Pentzke, whose vision helped launch the initiative, presented the college’s Quantum Lab Workforce plan during the event. He told the attendees that the funding will help PBSC acquire quantum computer hardware, control systems, and measurement equipment to train students on next-generation technologies.

“Quantum computing is progressing incredibly fast,” Pentzke said. “Each week brings new breakthroughs from major companies. Our job at Palm Beach State is to ensure our students and workforce training programs are keeping pace with that progress.”

When completed, the Quantum Innovation Center will anchor the next phase of Palm Beach County’s leadership in technology and education—linking academia, business, and government in creating opportunities at the heart of Florida’s Quantum Coast.