Florida Tech Receives Funding in New State Budget for High-Tech Equipment Project
MELBOURNE, FLA. — A Florida Tech project central to the Sunshine State’s identity and economic strength that will boost STEM and manufacturing education through cutting-edge technology received critical funding in the 2021-22 budget thanks to the efforts of legislators and the final approval Wednesday of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The university will receive $2 million for its Biomedical Aerospace Manufacturing (BAM) specialized equipment project in the just-approved spending plan.
“This project focuses on an area of great importance to Florida – our ability to help our students and the business community compete and succeed in the high-tech economy,” said Florida Tech President Dwayne McCay. “We thank Gov. DeSantis and our legislators for empowering Florida Tech to move forward with this impactful endeavor.”
The BAM initiative will help secure cutting-edge equipment for Florida Tech’s new Health Sciences Research Center and its Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design, creating availability across university programs for the biomedical, aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
Equipment such as bio tissue testing machines, specialized 3D printers, and imaging devices procured over the next three to five years will provide a platform for exposing students to equipment Florida’s targeted industries are using, and will be using, to develop new technologies and new jobs.
“Florida industry demands a workforce with a relevant education to support evolving economic conditions,” said state Rep. Randy Fine. “I was proud to sponsor this legislation and applaud Gov. DeSantis for supporting Florida Tech’s efforts to provide critically needed STEM skills in the state.”
Providing technology access and enhanced capability for Florida Tech students, as well as for broader career and skill engagement programs, BAM will increase STEM workforce availability, hands-on project work in areas such as prosthetics and tissue generation, and career awareness for the growing biomedical, aerospace and manufacturing targeted industries in Florida.
One of the legislators who sponsored the BAM project, state Sen. Tom Wright, said, “As an owner of manufacturing facilities and an advocate in the Senate for skill training, I know first-hand how essential it is for Florida Tech to have the latest advanced equipment available for its programs.”
