Florida Polytechnic University has entered into a strategic high-tech alliance with The Skyway Organization, working to spark new developments in advanced manufacturing, materials science, aerospace and workforce development.
Leaders from both organizations signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing the partnership at Florida Poly’s Barnett Applied Research Center in Lakeland.
Florida Poly, Florida’s only state university focused exclusively on science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, will explore joint research projects, grant applications, technology demonstrations and workforce training initiatives with Skyway. The goal is to enhance educational activities for students and support research breakthroughs for Florida Poly faculty and Skyway 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,” Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson said. “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.”
Based in Tampa, Skyway is an advanced materials, aerospace and dual-use technology company. The company is developing a next-generation manufacturing system and high-performance composite platform for defense, space and industrial applications.
Skyway leverages cutting-edge technologies such as carbon nanotubes, graphene-enhanced composites, and large-scale additive manufacturing to create materials and structures that are lighter, stronger and more resilient than past materials.
“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,” Skyway CEO Rob Britts said.
Together, Florida Poly and Skyway hope to provide a foundation for collaborative innovation.
“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.”
With Skyway’s expected company growth, leaders at the company are hopeful the new alliance will help anchor a regional ecosystem of STEM innovation, workforce development and impactful research.
“This partnership strengthens Florida’s innovation pipeline and accelerates the breakthroughs the nation needs in defense, space, and high-performance manufacturing,” Britts said.