17 International Offices Represented Through SelectFlorida
February 19, 2026 – The Palm Beaches, FL – The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB), an official partner of FloridaCommerce and SelectFlorida, hosted representatives from SelectFlorida’s 17 international offices today, including key global markets such as Mexico, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Canada, and Israel. Traveling from across the globe, the delegation met with BDB leadership to discuss growing international interest in Palm Beach County’s expanding quantum sector. Also in attendance was SelectFlorida’s Foreign Direct Investment Manager, Rafael Guerra, and Director of International Trade Development, John Diep.
BDB President and CEO Kelly Smallridge presented the latest developments in the Palm Beaches, highlighting the region’s leadership in quantum technology. Matt Cimaglia and Hillary Matchett of Quantum Coast Capital provided an overview of the initiatives underway and the strategic vision to build a comprehensive quantum ecosystem in the Palm Beaches, as well as the state of Florida.
With Florida taking the lead in quantum, much of the state’s activity is centered in the Palm Beaches. Key developments include:
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Hosting Quantum Beach 2025, the largest quantum conference in Florida.
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Formation of the Florida Quantum Alliance of Universities, uniting all public universities with FloridaCommerce under a statewide MoU.
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D-Wave’s relocation of its corporate headquarters to Boca Raton.
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Florida Atlantic University’s $20 million acquisition of a D-Wave quantum computer — the first university host site of its kind.
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$4.95 million awarded to Palm Beach State College from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to advance quantum workforce programs.
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More than $2 million in federal funding secured by Congresswoman Frankel for Palm Beach State College Quantum Innovation Center.
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More than $1 million in federal funding secured by Congresswoman Frankel for the BDB to support development of a regional quantum ecosystem.
SelectFlorida engaged with the BDB to further understand the rise of quantum in Palm Beach County and to align on directing international companies seeking a Florida presence in the Palm Beaches.
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About the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB) serves as the county’s official public/private economic development organization. Established in 1982, the BDB is dedicated to attracting and retaining industries, fostering business investments, creating high-quality jobs, and supporting workforce development through corporate relocations, expansions, and international trade initiatives. Over the past five years, the BDB has supported more than 140 companies, contributing to the creation or retention of over 13,110 direct jobs with average salaries exceeding $80,000 per year. These efforts have driven more than $1.12 billion in capital investments into Palm Beach County.
