The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) held its commencement ceremony for the Orlando Campus on July 9, 2026, celebrating a cohort of new professionals in engineering, business administration, and technology. The event, part of the institution's 60th anniversary, highlights the campus's role as a bridge between academia and industry, turning knowledge into real opportunities. Located at 550 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, the Orlando Campus has been a presence in Central Florida since 2003, and this graduation reflects a deliberate strategy to prepare innovative, competitive engineers and business professionals ready to lead in environments driven by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The graduating class strengthens the competitiveness of companies and contributes to economic development in both Florida and Puerto Rico. The campus's growth aligns with Goal #4 of the university's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on expansion, positioning, and strategic alliances. Through meetings with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) and chambers of commerce, PUPR identified market priorities including specialized continuing education, STEM talent development, advanced entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, construction management, and talent recruitment. Its academic offerings and alliances connect students with industry opportunities from day one.
In recent months, the Orlando Campus formalized five strategic memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with organizations such as the Hispanic Metro Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Puerto Rico College of Engineers and Land Surveyors (Florida Chapter), the Office of Senator Rick Scott, the Central Florida Contractors Association, and SVG Institute. These alliances facilitate continuing education, internships, and employment opportunities through partnerships like BMA Group, replicating the university-industry-government linkage model that has distinguished PUPR since its founding. Dr. Lilliam Román, Director of the Orlando Campus, stated, "Each alliance we sign in Central Florida opens a concrete connection for our students and graduates."
A key differentiator is the Aerospace Engineering Laboratory, inaugurated in April 2025 with a $2.9 million investment. The lab features a jet engine for testing, autonomous vehicle research, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, advanced flight simulators, and 3D printers for aerospace prototypes. This positions Orlando as a key node for Florida's aerospace industry, a strategic priority for the university. At the lab's inauguration, Dr. Adriano Parisi noted, "This state-of-the-art laboratory is a center of discovery, a platform for developing ideas."
Graduate outcomes support the university's value proposition: 74% of undergraduate alumni and 79% of graduate alumni are employed, with 86% working full time and 72% earning salaries above $45,000 annually. The Orlando Campus offers flexible modalities including in-person, hybrid, and online programs, with a bilingual faculty and trimester calendar. Its engineering programs remain a high-value differentiator, while the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management (BSOM) expands business offerings under the concept "Engineering + Entrepreneurship = Venture Creation."
The institution holds a 4-star rating in the QS Stars system and is designated as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As PUPR celebrates 60 years, the Orlando Campus advances toward becoming a recognized STEM benchmark in Central Florida, preparing leaders for the economy of the future.
