SimSpace Moves HQ to Orlando, Cements Florida as AI Cyber Hub

ORLANDO, FL – February 04, 2026 – In a move that signals a major consolidation of cybersecurity prowess in the Sunshine State, cyber range leader SimSpace announced today it is relocating its global headquarters to Orlando. The decision, revealed at the company's annual summit, places a key player in the battle against AI-fueled cyber threats squarely within Florida's rapidly expanding and strategically integrated cybersecurity ecosystem.

The relocation is more than a change of address; it represents the convergence of corporate strategy with state-level ambition. SimSpace, known for its realistic, high-fidelity cyber simulation platforms, aims to position itself at the epicenter of a state that has aggressively worked to unify its government, academic, and private sector cyber defenses.

Florida's Calculated Cyber Surge

Florida officials have been vocal about their intent to build the nation's most cohesive cybersecurity environment. The state's approach is distinguished by its top-down integration, with leadership anchored directly in the executive branch. This has fostered a unique collaborative atmosphere that is now attracting key industry innovators like SimSpace.

"Florida is the most cyber-forward state in the country," said Jay Collins, Lieutenant Governor of Florida, in a statement welcoming the company. "With a uniquely integrated approach to cybersecurity that spans government, academia, and industry, Florida is where cyber readiness is coordinated, executed, and advanced at scale. We are excited to welcome SimSpace to Orlando and look forward to the impact they will have as part of our growing cybersecurity ecosystem."

Central to this ecosystem is Cyber Florida, the state-funded organization hosted at the University of South Florida. It coordinates statewide strategy, talent development, and research. SimSpace already has a multi-year contract with Cyber Florida to provide its advanced training platform to public sector employees, a partnership described by a Cyber Florida director as a "transformative step" for the state's preparedness. The move also brings the company closer to the Department of Defense's Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE), a critical asset for military cyber readiness. While Florida's strategic investments are drawing praise, the state remains a high-value target for malicious actors, consistently ranking among the top states for internet crime losses. This reality only heightens the urgency and importance of the public-private partnerships being forged.

Bridging the AI 'Train-Test Gap'

The move is deeply tied to a fundamental shift in the cybersecurity landscape. As both attackers and defenders increasingly leverage artificial intelligence, the methods for preparing cyber teams must also evolve. SimSpace argues that the industry faces a critical 'train-test gap,' where traditional training exercises are no longer sufficient to prepare for sophisticated, AI-driven attacks.

"Cybersecurity is entering an AI-driven era where training alone is no longer enough," explained Peter Lee, CEO of SimSpace. "Organizations must now prove readiness by continuously testing their people, technology stacks, and AI in realistic conditions. That's the train-test gap, and closing it is why SimSpace exists."

This philosophy positions the company's platform as an essential 'AI proving ground.' It provides a secure, sandboxed environment where organizations can safely vet new AI-powered defensive tools, train their own AI models against realistic threats, and validate complex, automated defensive workflows before deploying them in a live environment. As enterprises and governments pour billions into AI, the ability to prove what works—and what doesn't—becomes a critical component of responsible investment. The company recently enhanced this capability with its Artificial Range Intelligence Agent (ARIA), which allows operators to generate and modify complex training scenarios using natural language, making advanced mission rehearsal more accessible.

A Strategic Play in a Competitive Arena

SimSpace's relocation is not happening in a vacuum. The market for cyber ranges and security training is increasingly competitive, with several firms offering platforms for hands-on skill development. However, SimSpace, founded by experts from U.S. Cyber Command and MIT Lincoln Laboratory, has differentiated itself by focusing on hyper-realistic, 'nation-state-level' simulations and a deep emphasis on validating entire security stacks, not just individual operators.

Bolstered by a recent $39 million funding round, the company is doubling down on its AI-centric strategy. The move to Orlando places it in a collaborative environment that can fuel its next stage of growth, providing direct access to key partners and a rich talent pipeline. Its partnership with Carahsoft Technology Corp. has already expanded its reach into the public sector, facilitating the landmark deal with Cyber Florida. By embedding itself within Florida's ecosystem, SimSpace gains a strategic advantage, moving from a vendor to an integral part of a statewide defensive fabric.

Boosting Orlando's Tech Scene

The immediate local impact will be felt with the opening of SimSpace's new 7,000-square-foot headquarters, a modern space designed for collaboration and large-scale cyber exercises. While the company has not announced specific hiring numbers, the move signals a long-term commitment to the region and is expected to create high-skilled jobs, further diversifying Orlando's economy beyond its traditional pillars of tourism and hospitality.

The relocation reinforces Orlando's identity as an emerging technology hub with a particular strength in modeling, simulation, and cybersecurity, thanks in large part to the long-standing presence of the defense industry. SimSpace will be able to tap into a growing talent pool nurtured by institutions like the University of South Florida, which now has thousands of students enrolled in cybersecurity-related courses. The arrival of the company's global headquarters serves as a powerful endorsement of the region's tech infrastructure and talent, likely attracting further investment and talent to Central Florida.