Full Sail University Builds Cyber Defense Range with IBM, AWS
Event summary
- Full Sail University opened a new cybersecurity training facility, the 'Full Sail University IBM Cyber Defense Range powered by AWS and Cloud Range,' on April 16, 2026.
- The 1,463-square-foot facility includes 28 workstations and supports training aligned with NIST and NICE standards.
- The range will be used by students in Full Sail's Cybersecurity and Information Technology degree programs and will also host industry events.
- IBM and AWS are key partners in the initiative, providing technology and expertise.
The big picture
The partnership between Full Sail University, IBM, and AWS reflects the escalating demand for cybersecurity professionals and the increasing reliance on experiential learning in technical education. This initiative represents a strategic investment in building a skilled workforce to address the growing cyber threat landscape, which is expected to continue expanding with the proliferation of AI and quantum computing technologies. The move also highlights the trend of technology companies directly engaging with educational institutions to shape curriculum and talent pipelines.
What we're watching
- Talent Pipeline
- The success of this initiative hinges on Full Sail's ability to consistently produce graduates who meet the evolving demands of the cybersecurity industry, a critical factor in addressing the ongoing talent shortage.
- Partnership Dynamics
- How IBM and AWS leverage the Cyber Defense Range for their own talent acquisition and product demonstration purposes will influence the long-term viability of the partnership.
- Competitive Landscape
- The emergence of specialized cybersecurity training facilities like this one may intensify competition among educational institutions and training providers for students and industry contracts.
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