Palm Beach Colleges Connect as Florida Launches Quantum-Safe Network

Insider Brief

• Florida’s first statewide quantum-safe network segment is operational, connecting Palm Beach State College and Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton using IonQ quantum key distribution technology.
• Supported by a $1 million FloridaCommerce grant, the connection went live Oct. 15 over Palm Beach County’s dark fiber infrastructure to strengthen data security between the institutions.
• Connections to Miami Dade College and FAU’s Jupiter campus are planned within three months, with further statewide expansion dependent on funding.

PRESS RELEASE — Palm Beach State College (PBSC) President Ava L. Parker, JD announced Wednesday night that the first segment of Florida’s statewide quantum-safe network is operational. The system links PBSC to Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton over Palm Beach County’s dark fiber infrastructure.

Supported by a $1 million defense infrastructure grant from FloridaCommerce, Palm Beach State College is leading the development of the network’s first segment in partnership with Florida LambdaRail, Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach County and IonQ.

The segment uses IonQ quantum key distribution technology to strengthen the security of data transmitted between the participating institutions and establishes a foundation for expanding quantum-secure communication across Florida.