FAU appoints quantum leader, launches quantum certificate, and more - Refresh Miami

FacebookTweetPinLinkedInEmail Just months after Florida Atlantic University announced it will be the first university in Florida to host a dedicated large-scale quantum computer on site, the state university in Boca Raton has announced a series of quantum related developments. They come as FAU expands its research infrastructure, workforce development efforts, and industry partnerships centered on next-generation computing technologies. Robert Loredo was recently named executive director of the Florida Atlantic University Center for Quantum Technologies. Loredo leads the university’s growing quantum computing enterprise. He oversees a comprehensive strategy that advances quantum research, algorithm development, software innovation and workforce education, ensuring students and researchers gain expertise that extends across evolving quantum platforms, the university said. His appointment began on July 1. Loredo brings 20 years of experience in advanced computing, education and large-scale technical workforce development and is widely recognized for his ability to translate highly complex scientific concepts into accessible, high-impact learning systems deployed across global audiences, FAU said in its announcement. During his career, he has built and led international education networks, trained more than 300 quantum computing ambassadors worldwide, and desigedg comprehensive curricula for industry, academic and government partners. Loredo holds more than 270 patents. Robert Loredo, Executive Director, Florida Atlantic University Center for Quantum Technologies “[Robert Loredo] brings a rare combination of technical expertise, educational leadership, and global program-building experience that aligns perfectly with FAU’s vision for the Center for Quantum Technologies,” said Gregg Fields, FAU’s vice president for research. “As we integrate on-campus quantum hardware into our research and teaching ecosystem, his leadership will ensure that our faculty, students and partners can fully harness this technology to drive discovery, innovation and workforce development at scale.” FAU partnered with D-Wave Quantum to install an Advantage2 annealing quantum system at the Boca Raton campus later this year. The system, featuring more than 4,400 qubits, will provide researchers and students with direct access to quantum hardware capable of addressing complex optimization and modeling challenges that are not tractable for classical computing systems. In January, D-Wave announced it was moving its corporate headquarters from Palo Alto to Boca Raton, where it would build a major U.S. research and development hub. At the same time, FAU signed a $20 million agreement to purchase and install one of D-Wave’s Advantage2 annealing quantum computers on its campus. New book launched, too In a related development, Loredo is also helping organizations understand what it will take to prepare for the emerging era of quantum advantage with the launch of his new book, “Quantum Readiness for Leaders: Build Quantum Strategies, Teams, Security, and Ecosystems to Lead in the Era of Quantum Advantage.” Stay ahead of Miami Tech Join 16,000+ founders, investors, and tech professionals. Subscribe → ✓ Check your inbox for a confirmation email. Published by Packt Publishing, the book provides executives, technology leaders and organizations with a practical framework for understanding and acting on the opportunities and challenges presented by quantum technology. Rather than focusing solely on the technical mechanics of quantum computing, Loredo examines what organizations need to do to become quantum-ready – from developing strategies and building specialized teams to establishing partnerships, protecting data, preparing for post-quantum cybersecurity threats and identifying opportunities for quantum-enhanced applications. “I wrote Quantum Readiness for Leaders because after years of working with organizations and leaders around quantum technology, I kept hearing the same question: ‘What is quantum and where should I be investing?’” said Loredo. “The technology is advancing rapidly, but being ready for the quantum era requires much more than understanding algorithms or buying access to a quantum computer. It requires strategy, talent, security, partnerships and a clear understanding of where quantum can create meaningful value…. It’s about recognizing that organizations must begin developing the expertise, infrastructure and partnerships required to take advantage of quantum technologies as they mature.” Quantum certificate course launched In yet another quantum development, FAU’s Executive Education program in the College of Business is launching a new certificate course in quantum computing designed to help business professionals understand, evaluate and strategically prepare for one of the most transformative emerging technologies shaping the future of enterprise. The eight-week course, “Quantum Computing: Business and Sourcing Strategy,” provides participants with a practical understanding of how quantum computing is advancing beyond research environments and beginning to influence business strategy, technology investment and organizational decision-making. Through the program, professionals will explore how organizations can assess quantum opportunities, identify potential business applications, develop sourcing strategies, and establish frameworks for responsible adoption and governance of quantum capabilities. Daniel Gropper, Dean of FAU’s College of Business, said the growth of high-tech industry in South Florida was one of the reason for launching this course. “Quantum computing represents a significant evolution in how we think about technology and problem-solving, and this program gives professionals the opportunity to better understand its potential, evaluate its business applications and explore how organizations can strategically prepare for what comes next.” To learn more or register for the course, visit here. READ MORE IN REFRESH MIAMI: Palm Beach County is turning inbound talent, AI trust, and institutional growth into a serious innovation ecosystem Joe Russo helped build Palm Beach Tech. Now he’s building from it. D-Wave’s HQ move to Boca Raton puts South Florida firmly on the quantum map FAU awarded large EPA grant to combat Harmful Algal Blooms with AI-powered tech Author Recent Posts Nancy DahlbergI am a writer and editor with extensive media experience and a passion for journalism and serving the community. Most of my career has been spent with the Miami Herald in business news, and my expertise is writing about tech and entrepreneurs. I love hosting this blog for Refresh Miami and we aim to be the go-to site for South Florida startup and tech news, features and views. Have news? Contact me at ndahlbergbiz@gmail.com. Thanks for reading! Latest posts by Nancy Dahlberg (see all) FAU appoints quantum leader, launches quantum certificate, and more - September 22, 2026 Beep, beep: Freebee and Beep are merging. Here are the details. - September 16, 2026 8+ things to know in #MiamiTech: News from BRiC, Related Ross, WeWork, GBI, Brightline, The Source & more - September 14, 2026