The University of South Florida plans to create a new university focused on research in artificial intelligence.
University officials announced Thursday that the university will be the first in Florida and the first in the nation to offer research in AI, cybersecurity and computing.
The university is expected to open in the fall of 2025, pending approval from the university's Board of Governors.
“This new university provides a unique opportunity to leverage the expertise of all three University of South Florida campuses,” according to a news release. “This collaboration will bring together top talent from across the university and bring together AI, A truly interdisciplinary center of excellence in cybersecurity, computing education and research will be established.
“By leveraging the collective knowledge and experience of our faculty, staff, and students, we can position Florida as a world leader in these fields.”
The university has formed a task force to submit an initial report to the board of trustees later this spring, officials said. University officials said they do not need the state board to approve the university, but will continue to communicate with the state.
USF already has the Florida Cybersecurity Center, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as other certificates in the field.
The university also has about 200 faculty members from various universities working on cybersecurity and AI research, and officials say funding has increased significantly.
USF officials told WUSF that fundraising for the university has not yet begun and that the university will consider current and future facility needs before determining whether the university needs a new building.
WUSF staff writer Mark Schreiner contributed to this report.
