Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Florida Institute of Technology Inc. received a $373,253 Project Grant award, effective May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2031, from the National Science Foundation's Division of Information and Intelligent Systems under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) program (CFDA 47.070). This CAREER award supports research and development of post-quantum cryptographic security solutions for next-generation 6G wireless infrastructure. The primary deliverables include: (1) quantum-resistant authentication and communication protocols integrating National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-standardized post-quantum cryptography algorithms, including Module Lattice Key Encapsulation Mechanism (ML-KEM) and Module Lattice Digital Signature Algorithm (ML-DSA), into wireless protocol stacks; (2) a decentralized digital identity framework utilizing quantum-resistant digital credentials for cross-domain authentication; and (3) an adaptive cryptographic agility engine powered by reinforcement learning that autonomously selects security configurations based on real-time network conditions, device resources, and threat levels.

In addition to research and development activities, the award funds educational and workforce development initiatives, including new curriculum development in post-quantum cryptography and wireless security, graduate and undergraduate research experiences, and a hands-on Quantum Defender Challenge competition. Laboratory modules developed under this project are designed for nationwide dissemination through National Science Foundation educational platforms. The research directly supports the national priority to transition critical digital infrastructure to quantum-resistant protection prior to the emergence of large-scale quantum computing capabilities.