The University of South Florida (USF) is set to launch the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing this fall, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s efforts to address the growing demand for experts in these critical fields. The new college will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of interdisciplinary professionals, supporting Tampa Bay’s booming tech industry and contributing to USF’s growing $6 billion economic impact.
Innovative Research and Education
Students at USF are already immersed in cutting-edge projects that leverage AI and cybersecurity to tackle real-world challenges. Medical engineering students are using AI and Virtual Reality (VR) to study brain development and improve disease prevention and treatment. In the USF College of Public Health, AI-powered drones are being utilized to track mosquitoes carrying deadly diseases in real-time. The USF CyberHerd team is training to counter cyberattacks, including regaining control of simulated hijacked airplanes.
Industry Partnerships and Collaborations
The Bellini College is expected to be a catalyst for innovation, with industry leaders already taking notice. Brad Chedister, a USF alum and national security adviser, sees the college as a key driver of workforce development for the future. “The Bellini College is going to be the baseline architecture of workforce development for the future of multiple sectors, including military, medical, technology, and industrial,” Chedister said. Darryl Shaw, developer behind the Gasworx project to revitalize Ybor City, agrees that the college will be impactful and beneficial to the future of Tampa Bay.
Growing Tech Industry in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is emerging as a cohesive, collaborative innovation hub, attracting high-profile corporations and investors from across the nation. Tim Holcomb, CEO of Embarc Collective, a startup hub that supports early-stage tech companies, notes that the tech and innovation scene in Tampa has grown dramatically since 2019. “We’re not just building companies—we’re building the next generation of industry leaders, right here in Florida,” Holcomb said.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap
The college offers a unique opportunity for students to pair their studies with computer science, creating tailored skill sets for niche, in-demand careers. With the United States currently facing a shortage of cybersecurity workers, the Bellini College is poised to help bridge this gap. “Cybersecurity remains a game of cat and mouse between well-funded threat actors and security practitioners,” said Raj Samani, chief scientist at Rapid7.
Real-World Experience and Career Opportunities
USF students are gaining hands-on experience through programs like the ReliaQuest Labs cybersecurity boot camp, which has graduated 445 students as of spring 2025. Many USF alumni are already filling roles at major employers, including Citibank, Amazon, and Publix. “Connecting the immense amount of talent with opportunities to build their knowledge and skills is the real issue, and it’s what programs like this are all about,” said Brian Murphy, CEO of ReliaQuest.
Conclusion
The launch of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing marks a significant step forward for USF and the Tampa Bay region. With its focus on innovative research, industry partnerships, and real-world experience, the college is poised to drive technological advancements and address the growing demand for experts in AI and cybersecurity. As Prasant Mohapatra, USF Provost and Executive Vice President, noted, “The Bellini College will one day serve as a national model – one that prepares students to lead in the constantly evolving fields of cybersecurity and AI.”
