Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University is a public state university in Lakeland, Florida, founded in 2012 and dedicated exclusively to STEM education. It serves undergraduate and graduate students through degree programs in engineering, computer science, data science, and advanced manufacturing, with applied research in cybersecurity and AI.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersLakeland, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Florida Polytechnic University does
Florida Polytechnic University is a public, STEM-exclusive state university founded in 2012 and located in Lakeland, Florida. It is the only public institution in Florida dedicated exclusively to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs alongside online graduate options for working professionals. The university's core academic portfolio is augmented by specialized facilities including the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center, the Barnett Applied Research Center, the Student Achievement Center (a 138,400 sq ft, $85 million facility under construction), a student-powered Security Operations Center, the newly established Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory, and a dedicated esports arena.
The institution's technology and research footprint centers on hands-on learning in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and environmental engineering, with applied outputs including a U.S.-patented electrochemical microplastics detection sensor developed by faculty research. Operations are supported by Ellucian's AI-powered SaaS platform, which delivered measurable 20-40% cost reductions and an 85% reduction in login barriers, contributing to a 2026 Ellucian Impact Award. Florida Poly is the only entity in this analysis categorized as a government_state_entity rather than a commercial enterprise, and its expansion strategy is increasingly outward-facing through international partnerships.
Florida Poly's revenue model combines tuition and fees from undergraduate and graduate enrollment, recurring state appropriations from the Florida Legislature ($19 million in the 2026-2027 budget), and private donations and grants, including a $2 million gift from Trustee Gary C. Wendt and $2.9 million in federal funding for cybersecurity and AI expansion. The institution targets scaling to 3,000 students by 2030 from a record 2026 graduating class of 430+, with enrollment growth and infrastructure buildout supported by both public appropriations and philanthropic capital.
Florida Polytechnic University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Florida Polytechnic University
- Legal name
- Florida Polytechnic University
- Website
- https://floridapolytechnic.org
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Florida Polytechnic University is a public state university in Lakeland, Florida, founded in 2012 and dedicated exclusively to STEM education. It serves undergraduate and graduate students through degree programs in engineering, computer science, data science, and advanced manufacturing, with applied research in cybersecurity and AI.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Florida Polytechnic University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive) (EDAHAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- STEM-Focused Public Research Universities (EDAHAAAE), Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities (EDAHAEAB)
Keywords
Where Florida Polytechnic University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lakeland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Florida Polytechnic University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: Revenue generated from undergraduate and graduate tuition, including online programs. The university is a public institution receiving state funding.
- State Appropriations: State funding from Florida Legislature, including $19 million in 2026-2027 budget for construction and operational support.
- Private Donations and Grants: Gifts from trustees and philanthropic organizations, including $2 million gift from Trustee Gary C. Wendt and federal grants like the $2.9 million for cybersecurity lab.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Florida Polytechnic University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Florida Polytechnic University is a public STEM-focused university offering bachelor's and master's degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at its Lakeland, Florida campus, with select online graduate options. The university supplements academic instruction with hands-on learning environments including a student-powered Security Operations Center, the Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL) for AI and cybersecurity, an Esports Arena, and the new Florida Poly Athletics program launching in Fall 2026.
Product overview
Florida Polytechnic University is Florida's only institution dedicated exclusively to STEM education, offering a portfolio of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The university operates supplementary academic support facilities including a student-powered Security Operations Center (SOC) and Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL) for cybersecurity and AI training, an Esports Arena supporting competitive gaming teams, and Florida Poly Athletics providing intercollegiate sports programs. The institution also conducts applied research resulting in patentable technologies such as microplastics detection sensors. The core academic programs form the foundation, while the specialized labs, athletic programs, and esports facilities provide hands-on experiential learning opportunities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Florida Poly Athletics: The university's collegiate athletics program launching in Fall 2026 with multiple sports teams including men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, and men's soccer.
- Florida Poly Esports
Products and services
- STEM Undergraduate Degree Programs Bachelor's degree programs in STEM fields including engineering, computer science, data science, and advanced manufacturing, delivered on the Lakeland, Florida campus with hands-on learning, internships, and capstones.
- STEM Graduate Degree Programs Master's degree programs in STEM fields, including cybersecurity and AI, designed to advance careers, with online program options for working professionals.
- Student-Powered Security Operations Center (SOC) Hands-on cybersecurity training facility where students replicate professional security analyst workflows including threat identification, code reviews, and AI solution development.
- Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL) AI and cybersecurity training laboratory expanding the SOC with network operations, R&D, and public safety-focused AI research, including partnership with the Polk County Sheriff's Office AI Investigation Unit.
- Esports Arena Gaming facility supporting the university's 14 varsity esports teams competing in the National Esports Collegiate Conference, featuring 20 high-performance gaming PCs, console gaming setups, and a 48-foot exterior screen.
- Florida Poly Athletics Program Collegiate athletics program debuting in Fall 2026 with multiple sports teams, including men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, and men's soccer, expected to recruit up to 150 student-athletes.
Quantifiable outcome
- 430+ graduates in record 2026 class
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Florida Polytechnic University
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Florida Polytechnic University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature3 records
Florida Polytechnic University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Florida A&M UniversityminorCollaboration on $300,000 research project targeting harmful algae blooms. Florida Poly researcher Dr. Yudi Wu leads the project with Florida A&M as a partner institution conducting research at Se7en Wetlands park.
- Se7en WetlandsminorPartnership for biochar-based algae research project. The former phosphate mine site in Lakeland serves as the research location for deploying floating columns filled with biochar material to absorb excess nitrogen and phosphorus.
- ElluciancoreEllucian provides AI-powered SaaS platform for higher education. Florida Poly won the 2026 Impact Award for innovative use of the platform to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency, including measurable impacts such as 20-40% cost reductions and 85% reduction in login barriers.
- National Chin-Yi University of Technology (NCUT)coreFive-year partnership agreement signed between Florida Poly and National Chin-Yi University of Technology in Taiwan to promote international research and academic exchange. The collaboration facilitates faculty and student exchanges and develops joint programs in engineering, manufacturing, and future technologies. Effective immediately with option to extend beyond initial term.
- Polk County Sheriff's OfficecorePartnership expanding cybersecurity and AI training programs. The university received $2.9 million in federal funding to expand its Security Operations Center and establish Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory. Includes partnership with Sheriff's Office AI Investigation Unit for research and workforce development.
- International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF)minorPartnership for Citrus Innovation Center in Lakeland. The 30,000-square-foot facility focuses on botanical research for scent and taste applications. Florida Poly collaboration supports approximately 40 jobs and features sustainable design with LEED silver certification.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Florida Polytechnic University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Florida International University (FIU): Large Florida public university with established engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity programs; competes directly with Florida Poly for Florida-resident STEM talent.
- University of Central Florida (UCF): Florida's largest public university with strong STEM and engineering programs; competes with Florida Poly for in-state STEM students within the same state funding pool.
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU): Florida public university with an active research partnership with Florida Poly (Se7en Wetlands algae project); competes in adjacent STEM and engineering disciplines within the SUS system.
- University of South Florida (USF): Major Florida public research university with substantial STEM and cybersecurity programs; regional competitor for STEM students and research funding within Florida.
Direct peers
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Florida-based STEM-focused university specializing in aviation, aerospace, and engineering with a similar hands-on, career-oriented polytechnic model. Comparable in size and target student demographic to Florida Poly.
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI): Private polytechnic university with a project-based learning model emphasizing STEM, similar in mission and instructional approach to Florida Poly's hands-on STEM focus. Comparable in size and program mix.
- Stevens Institute of Technology: Private STEM-focused university with strong emphasis on technology, engineering, and hands-on innovation; competes for similar STEM-bound students in the US market.
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona): Public polytechnic university with a learn-by-doing, hands-on STEM pedagogy directly comparable to Florida Poly's educational model and student experience.
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO): Premier public polytechnic with the same learn-by-doing, STEM-focused philosophy as Florida Poly; sets the benchmark against which Florida Poly's polytechnic positioning is measured.
Broad incumbents
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech): Premier public STEM research university operating at significantly larger scale; Florida Poly competes with Georgia Tech for top STEM students and benchmarks its engineering rankings against it.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Florida Polytechnic University social profiles
Digital presenceFlorida Polytechnic University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Florida Polytechnic University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Florida Polytechnic University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors2 records
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Florida Polytechnic University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Florida Polytechnic University
What does Florida Polytechnic University do?
Florida Polytechnic University is a public STEM-focused university offering bachelor's and master's degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at its Lakeland, Florida campus, with select online graduate options. The university supplements academic instruction with hands-on learning environments including a student-powered Security Operations Center, the Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL) for AI and cybersecurity, an Esports Arena, and the new Florida Poly Athletics program launching in Fall 2026.
Is Florida Polytechnic University a public or private company?
Florida Polytechnic University is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Florida Polytechnic University founded?
Florida Polytechnic University was founded in 2012. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Florida Polytechnic University based?
Florida Polytechnic University is headquartered in Lakeland, United States, in the North America region.
How does Florida Polytechnic University make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are state Appropriations and private Donations and Grants.
Who are Florida Polytechnic University's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Florida International University (FIU), University of Central Florida (UCF), Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and University of South Florida (USF). Direct peers are Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Stevens Institute of Technology, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO). Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Florida Polytechnic University have an API?
No public API is recorded for Florida Polytechnic University.
What industry is Florida Polytechnic University in?
Florida Polytechnic University's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAEAA, Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive), with a secondary code of EDAHAAAE, STEM-Focused Public Research Universities. Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.