In a bold move to position Tampa as a global leader in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, the University of South Florida (USF) today announced a record $40 million gift to establish Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing at Bellini College. This transformational investment, the largest in USF’s nearly 70-year history, serves as the first named university in the United States dedicated to converging AI and cybersecurity.
Gifts from Ernie and Lauren Bellini come at a critical time as the US faces an unprecedented wave of cyberattacks, AI-driven threats and global competition in digital security. The University of Newberini directly addresses the country’s urgent cybersecurity workforce shortage, while equipping America’s digital defense against the rapidly evolving threats of the AI era.
“The future of war, economic power, national security is digital. Cyberattacks are new missiles and AI is the arms race of our time. Today, America is surrounded by cyberspace every nanosecond every day. We are failing to produce the talent and technology we need to protect ourselves. That changes today. Tampa and the USF are stepping up to lead the accusations to secure the future of our nation.”
Ernie Bellini
Tampa: America’s emerging cybercapital
Located at the intersection of technology, military defense and global commerce, Tampa is uniquely positioned to become the country’s cybersecurity capital, Cyber Bay.
The US Central Command (Centcom) at Macdill Air Force Base makes Tampa an important hub for military cyber operations. USF’s Florida Center Center is already a leader in state and federal cyber initiatives. Over 25% of Florida’s high-tech jobs are based in Tampa. This includes the headquarters and major offices of cybersecurity giants such as Knowbe4, ReliaQuest, Rapid7 and ConnectSecure.
“This investment will strengthen Tampa as a global powerhouse for AI and cybersecurity innovation,” said Wilweatherford, chairman of the USF Board. “USF is leading the way in which we train the next generation of Cyber Warriors and AI pioneers. Bellini College will drive a talent pipeline that will drive our national security and economic growth.”
Addresses the gap in America’s critical cybersecurity workforce
Cybercrime costs the US over $12 billion in 2023 alone, according to the FBI, but the country faces a massive shortage of cybersecurity experts.
With Bellini College opening in the fall of 2025, USF will dramatically expand access to cutting-edge AI and cybersecurity training, generating thousands of highly skilled professionals preparing businesses, institutions and government agencies to protect against cyber threats.
“We are at a pivotal moment in the history where AI and cybersecurity must evolve together,” said USF President Rhea Law. “This university creates the talent and innovation needed to meet the escalating challenges of the digital age. We are proud to be with Bellinis to shape the future of AI and cybersecurity.”
First Approach: Together with AI and cybersecurity
Unlike traditional cybersecurity programs, Bellini College uniquely pairs AI and cybersecurity with an integrated approach, recognizing that AI is the biggest enabler and greatest threat in the cyberlands.
“The US cannot afford to respond. We have to be proactive,” Ernie Bellini said. “Cybercriminals and illicit nation-states are already deploying AI-driven cyber attacks on an astonishing scale. Bellini College will train tomorrow’s Cyber Warriors, expressing these threats, letting them eat out and abolishing them.”
The university offers:
Undergraduate and graduate degree programs that combine AI and cybersecurity with real-world applications. AI-driven research to develop next-generation cybersecurity solutions. Strategic partnerships with government agencies, defense contractors and Fortune 500 companies. It focuses on ethical AI implementation and responsible digital governance.
“This initiative will be a game changer for industry, government and academia,” said USF Provost Prasant Mohapatra. “By integrating AI and cybersecurity into one university, USF is creating a national model to prepare leaders in this rapidly evolving field.”
It is built on a heritage of innovation and economic growth
“Lauren and I are committed to ensuring that Tampa is not just catching up to the AI revolution. We are leading it. This university is just the beginning. The future of cybersecurity, AI and digital defense will be built here in Cyber Bay.” – Ernie Bellini
This historic investment follows a $11 million gift to establish Bellini’s Talent Development Center at USF’s Muma College of Business.
As a high-tech entrepreneur and investor, Ernie Bellini built Connectwise into a billion-dollar cybersecurity and IT services leader before its sale in 2019. Today, as CEO of Bellini Capital, he continues to advocate for Florida’s transformation into a global technology powerhouse.
On a drive to raise another $10 million, Bellini agreed to fit all dollars donated to the university to up to $5 million.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the USF Foundation,” said Jay Stroman, CEO of the USF Foundation. “I am inspired by their generosity and their desire to encourage other business leaders and philanthropists to join them in supporting this important university.
