State cybersecurity facility to become new home of Augusta University Cyber Institute

The Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, a world-class cyber range and training facility, will be the new home of the Augusta University Cyber Institute.

Gov. Nathan Deal announced Wednesday in his annual State of the State speech that the state will invest $50 million for a world-class cyber range and training facility in Augusta that will combine expertise in academia, private industry and government to establish statewide cybersecurity standards.

The 150,000-square-foot facility will be located adjacent to the Augusta University Riverfront Campus and will provide a statewide framework for all things cyber.

“We’re excited to partner with the state of Georgia in this effort to provide a cyber workforce and help protect our nation from cyber threats” said Augusta University President Brooks Keel.

A cyber range is a virtual environment used to simulate real-world cyber warfare in a safe and protected setting, but according to Keel, state-owned cyber ranges are extremely rare.

“This visionary investment in the security of our state and nation will usher in a range of exciting opportunities for our region, our state and our university and, along with the federal relocation of the U.S. Army Cyber Command to Fort Gordon, will further position our home city of Augusta as a national epicenter of cybersecurity and education,” he said.

The facility will support cybersecurity workforce development through improved education and research opportunities in coordination with Augusta University and other educational entities.

“With this unprecedented state investment, I am certain Augusta will become synonymous with innovation, where we’ll begin to attract a number of businesses and industry partners who understand the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration,” Keel said.

Construction of the facility is slated to begin in the spring and expected to take 18 months to complete. Learn more at augusta.edu/future.