The University of South Florida has unveiled plans for a new building near the main entrance of its Tampa campus for the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, which launched in fall 2025.
The state put $10 million toward construction in 2025 and another $25 million in the 2026-27 budget. USF has not announced a groundbreaking date or final cost. For now the college operates out of the USF Library and other campus facilities, serving more than 3,000 students across 15 degree programs.
The college began with a $40 million commitment from Tampa entrepreneur Arnie Bellini, founder of ConnectWise, and his wife Lauren, the largest private gift in USF history. ReliaQuest added $1.5 million in June for the college's first endowed professorship.
USF also has a $2 million federal grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for an AI and Cyber Makerspace, which the university says will be the first of its kind at a Florida university.
Why it matters for Florida
Public funding, private gifts and local employers are building a talent pipeline for Florida technology companies.
"Companies build where talent, research and employers sit close together. A dedicated home for AI and cybersecurity education gives Tampa Bay a stronger base," said Samuel Armes, President of the Florida Blockchain Business Association.