Florida Poly and Skyway Forge Strategic Alliance to Advance High-Tech Innovation

Based on reporting from a Florida Polytechnic University press release (Dec. 2, 2025)

Florida’s high-tech ecosystem is accelerating once again in the Central Florida Innovation District. A newly established partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and The Skyway Organization, LLC will drive collaboration poised to fuel breakthroughs in high-tech innovation, advanced manufacturing, materials science, aerospace and workforce development.

The two organizations formalized their partnership on December 2 at the University’s Barnett Applied Research Center. The signed memorandum of understanding signals a shared commitment to innovation, applied research and talent development.

Bridge Between Academia and Industry

According to the Florida Poly release, the partnership will open pathways for joint research, grant collaboration, technology demonstrations and workforce training initiatives. University students will gain direct exposure to cutting-edge engineering challenges and researchers. While Skyway engineers will work together to accelerate advancements in defense, space and industrial technologies.

Florida Poly President Dr. Devin Stephenson emphasized the importance of collaboration in preparing students for real-world engineering challenges. He noted that industry partnerships like this strengthen Florida’s talent pipeline and deliver sustainable economic value across the state.

Skyway, a Tampa-based company working at the frontier of materials science and aerospace engineering, is developing next-generation composite technologies using carbon nanotubes, graphene-enhanced materials and large-scale additive manufacturing. CEO Rob Britts described the partnership as a new model for deep, hands-on collaboration between academia and industry, giving students unprecedented access to advanced materials, AI-enabled engineering and future aerospace systems.

Innovation, Talent and Technology Converge

By embedding students and faculty directly into Skyway’s innovation efforts, the collaboration positions Florida Poly as a major contributor to some of the fastest-growing high-tech sectors. Stephenson noted that these types of partnership ensure the University remains a driving force in high-performance materials, advanced manufacturing, and other transformative technologies.

Britts added that Skyway’s growth will help anchor a broader regional ecosystem of STEM innovation and high-impact research – strengthening Florida’s position in defense, space and advanced manufacturing.

Economic Power of an Innovation District

Through this collaboration with Florida Polytechnic, Skyway also benefits from the strategic value of operating inside the Central Florida Innovation District. Within the district the company leverages the growing ecosystem where the research university, emerging startups, corporate R&D and workforce development will concentrate to accelerate a company’s growth and competitiveness.

Skyway joins fellow industry leader IFF in recognizing the strategic value of collaborating with Florida Polytechnic University and operating within the innovation district. Together, these companies understand that close proximity to cutting-edge research, engineering talent, and a growing network of high-tech partners accelerates innovation and strengthens their competitive edge.

By establishing this partnership within such a dynamic ecosystem, Florida Poly and Skyway are not just advancing technology—they’re helping shape a thriving regional economy built around science, engineering, and long-term innovation capacity.