A pioneering new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and The Skyway Organization, LLC aims to spark powerful developments in advanced manufacturing, materials science, aerospace and workforce development.
Leaders from both organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the partnership at Florida Poly’s Barnett Applied Research Center on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Through the agreement, Florida Poly and Skyway will explore joint research projects, grant applications, technology demonstrations and workforce training initiatives. The efforts are intended to boost educational opportunities for University students and support research breakthroughs for faculty and Skyway’s engineers.
“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges while advancing vital research that supports high-tech industries,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president. “With partnerships like this, we’re strengthening Florida’s talent pipeline and delivering lasting economic benefits for our state by connecting education directly to critical technologies.”
Skyway, based in Tampa, Florida, is an advanced materials, aerospace and dual-use technology company. It is developing a next-generation manufacturing system and high-performance composite platform for defense, space and industrial applications.
The technology company leverages cutting-edge technologies like carbon nanotubes, graphene-enhanced composites, and large-scale additive manufacturing to create materials and structures that are lighter, stronger and more resilient than ever before.
“Skyway is proud to partner with Florida Poly to expand Florida’s STEM future,” said Skyway CEO Rob Britts. “Together, we’re creating a new model for industry-university collaboration – one that gives students real access to advanced materials, R&D, AI-enabled engineering and next-generation aerospace technologies.”
The partnership between high-tech industry and academia provides a foundation for collaborative innovations in some of today’s fastest-growing fields.
“Collaborating directly with Skyway’s innovators will give our students and faculty a front-row role in shaping the future of high-performance materials and advanced manufacturing,” Stephenson said. “These kinds of industry partnerships ensure Florida Poly remains a driving force in the technologies that will define tomorrow.”
As Skyway grows, its operations will help anchor a robust regional ecosystem of STEM innovation, workforce development and high-impact research, Britts said.
“This partnership strengthens Florida’s innovation pipeline and accelerates the breakthroughs the nation needs in defense, space, and high-performance manufacturing,” Britts said.
