ReliaQuest backs Florida State AI cybersecurity push

ReliaQuest and Florida State University have launched a partnership in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, backed by a USD $1.5 million investment from ReliaQuest.

The agreement will create an annual ReliaQuest Innovation Challenge at the university to encourage faculty research into AI applications in cybersecurity. It also establishes the ReliaQuest Interdisciplinary Digital Badge Program in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity for students.

The partnership is intended to connect academic research with industry challenges in areas including data security, AI performance and the use of intelligence in operations. It is expected to involve faculty as well as graduate and undergraduate students across disciplines.

ReliaQuest described the funding as Florida State University's largest gift to date in support of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, marking a significant commitment in a field where universities and technology companies are seeking closer ties between research and commercial application.

Research focus

The annual innovation challenge is designed to give faculty access to industry mentors, datasets and applied research priorities. Its aim is to support work on complex cybersecurity problems where artificial intelligence can be used in practical settings.

The digital badge programme will offer students training in both AI and cybersecurity, along with mentoring from ReliaQuest staff and access to technology environments. The initiative is intended to give students experience that combines academic study with workplace exposure.

Brian Murphy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ReliaQuest and an alumnus and trustee of Florida State University, said the partnership comes as cybersecurity threats become harder to manage and organisations look for more effective ways to use artificial intelligence.

"The cybersecurity landscape is only getting more complex, and challenge always creates opportunity for innovation," said Brian Murphy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ReliaQuest.

"This partnership will allow us to continue to push what's possible for AI in cybersecurity, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application during one of the most important times for our industry," Murphy said.

Student pipeline

For Florida State University, the partnership creates a new channel for students and researchers to work on applied cybersecurity issues. The initiatives are intended to improve understanding of responsible AI deployment in cybersecurity and strengthen the pipeline of graduates able to turn research into practical tools and techniques.

Richard McCullough, President of Florida State University, said the funding would support the university's work in advanced technology and student training.

"This generous gift from ReliaQuest embodies Florida State University's innovative spirit and focus on cutting-edge technology solutions," said Richard McCullough, President, Florida State University.

"It will allow us to bolster our partnership with ReliaQuest and apply the power of AI in solving critical global challenges in cybersecurity while helping to train the next generation of innovators and leaders in Florida. We are deeply grateful for ReliaQuest's commitment and the dedication of their CEO, Brian Murphy, to advancing FSU in this important area," McCullough said.

The agreement reflects a broader push by universities and private companies to build research programmes around artificial intelligence while addressing demand for skilled workers in cyber defence. Cybersecurity groups have increasingly sought academic partnerships to test new approaches, gain access to specialist research and build recruitment pipelines.

ReliaQuest operates in the cybersecurity sector and says it serves more than 1,300 customers with 1,200 staff across six global operating centres. Florida State University has more than 46,000 students and offers more than 275 undergraduate, graduate and professional programmes.

The new challenge and badge programme place applied AI research, student training and industry mentoring at the centre of the partnership, with the USD $1.5 million commitment marking a substantial investment in the effort.