Florida Poly Teams Up to Draw STEM Investment
Students in Florida's STEM-only public university may gain new industry and investor connections as the partnership develops.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Higher Education
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Florida Polytechnic University signed a partnership agreement with SelectFlorida, the international commerce arm of the Florida Department of Commerce, on Monday, November 2, to draw investment and build technology infrastructure in the state. The arrangement combines the university's technical expertise with SelectFlorida's global investor network.
Why it matters
The partnership supports Florida's economic development goals and positions a STEM-focused public university as a bridge between the state and prospective investors and corporate partners. For students, it signals a closer tie between Florida Poly's engineering programs and the businesses that may hire graduates.
The agreement was signed Monday, November 2, between Florida Polytechnic University and SelectFlorida. Florida Poly is the only state university devoted entirely to STEM, and no dollar amounts or eligibility terms were disclosed in the announcement.
The players
Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly)
The only state university in Florida devoted entirely to STEM, led by President Dr. Devin Stephenson.
SelectFlorida
The international commerce arm of the Florida Department of Commerce, led by President and CEO Matt Swanson, which runs the state's global investor network.
The details
Florida Poly contributes its technical know-how, engineering graduates, and international relationships to the arrangement. SelectFlorida brings its global investor network, and prospective investors and corporate partners will be introduced to Florida's business environment through the partnership. The organizations may pursue industry forums, joint research efforts, and international leadership missions.
Timeline
Monday, November 2: Florida Poly and SelectFlorida sign the partnership agreement.
Education Landscape
The partnership ties a public university's engineering and STEM capacity directly to state economic development, a model that links higher education to workforce and investment goals. It reflects a broader pattern of universities being asked to contribute to regional industry recruitment.
Students at Florida Poly and others interested in STEM programs may see more industry connections and internship or research opportunities as the partnership develops. Anyone with questions about how partnership activity could affect their program or aid should contact the university's admissions or financial-aid office.
The takeaway
Public STEM universities are increasingly being positioned as economic partners, so students interested in engineering and technology may find new industry links over time. Prospective students can ask Florida Poly's admissions office how the SelectFlorida partnership may shape its programs and career connections.
Further reading
For more on how Florida's public universities are shaping degree pathways, explore Higher Education coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
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Do you think Florida's public universities should partner with state agencies to attract business investment?
