Florida wants to position itself as quantum-technology leader

Florida has introduced a privately led initiative aimed at establishing the state as a major center for quantum technology and attracting companies, researchers and investors. The effort, called Florida Quantum, was announced Dec. 3 at the Tech Basel Miami AI Summit during eMerge Americas’ Innovation Week.

The initiative is designed to coordinate public and private partners, offer a single point of entry for companies and support research, commercial deployment, policy alignment and workforce development. State officials say the program seeks to help Florida compete with other states that are building quantum-technology networks.

Florida Quantum is co-led by Matt Cimaglia of Quantum Coast Capital and Tony Jimenez of Medina Ventures. They are working with the Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology, eMerge Americas and FloridaCommerce. The structure mirrors statewide collaboratives launched in Maryland, Illinois, New Mexico and Connecticut.

Cimaglia said the initiative is intended to organize Florida’s quantum community early. Jimenez said the group plans to link companies with federal agencies, universities and capital networks to support commercialization.

Leaders say the strategy places industry growth ahead of workforce programs, noting that large-scale investment often drives education changes. Florida officials expect the approach to support technologies tied to national defense, cybersecurity, health and transportation.

States have increased competition for quantum-related companies as federal CHIPS Act funding and new programs from Commerce, NIST and DOE expand. Early leaders include Maryland and Illinois, with strong university and federal lab ties. New Mexico and Connecticut have also built statewide coalitions.

Florida aims to offer a full quantum lifecycle with assets such as the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, ISS National Laboratory access and the Florida LambdaRail, which links companies to the University of Florida’s HiPerGator supercomputer. The state’s growing launch sector provides a path from simulation to testing in orbit.

Momentum has been building through conferences, university initiatives and investor interest in dual-use technologies. Florida Quantum intends to unify these efforts and expects to add corporate partners in 2026.

Leaders say states able to coordinate early will be better positioned as quantum companies seek locations with aligned policy, workforce and capital.