Moffitt Cancer Center Celebrates 2 Milestones at SPEROS FL
TAMPA, Fla. — Today, Moffitt Cancer Center celebrated a historic day of progress at SPEROS FL, its groundbreaking 775-acre global research park in Pasco County. About 300 people gathered to celebrate two key milestones: the topping out of the Moffitt Discovery & Innovation Center for research and the installation of the cyclotron that will power the region’s first and most advanced proton therapy system.
The event brought together leaders from Moffitt, Speros, Pasco County, the state of Florida and generous donors who have helped shape Speros into a transformational hub for cancer care, research and biotechnology. The campus is projected to create more than 11,000 quality jobs over the next decade and establish Florida as a national leader in the life sciences and bioeconomy sectors.
“Today’s events at Speros symbolize both excellence and hope for the patients of today, as well as those we’ll serve through our cancer discoveries and care for decades to come,” said Patrick Hwu, M.D., Moffitt president and CEO. “The research center and proton therapy program are central to our vision for Speros, which will become a global destination for cancer breakthroughs and a place where world-class care and discovery are happening side by side in one place.”
The highlight of today’s event was the installation of the cyclotron, a particle accelerator that traveled more than 4,600 miles from Belgium and will serve as the heart of the ProteusONE proton therapy system. This technology offers unmatched precision in cancer treatment, reducing side effects and improving outcomes by targeting tumors with millimeter accuracy. Once installed, it will be the first proton therapy system and the most advanced in the Tampa Bay area.
In just two years, what was once open pastureland has rapidly transformed into a future-forward medical and biotech campus. Backed by $600 million in active construction and $1.1 billion in capital investment, Speros is designed to fuel scientific breakthroughs, deliver world-class cancer treatment and create long-term economic growth in Florida.
When complete, the campus will feature a 120,000-square-foot outpatient ambulatory center that will hold the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Center and offer comprehensive cancer care including screenings, imaging and infusion services. Next to the ambulatory center will be the Moffitt Discovery & Innovation Center, a 250,000-square-foot state-of-the-art research facility housing teams focused on drug discovery, metabolism, bioengineering and cancer pathways.
“Today, we are lifting hope,” said Josh Carpenter, D.Phil., president of Speros. “Hope for cancer patients and their families. Hope for scientists collaborating with industry to find cures. Hope for physicians integrating innovation into their daily practice. And hope for bringing quality jobs and strength to Florida’s bioeconomy.”
Made possible by a transformational gift from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, the new proton center is part of a larger vision to bring the world’s best technology and treatments to Moffitt patients close to home. The ceremony also included a team member beam-signing initiative and contributions from Moffitt’s Arts in Medicine program, which decorated several structural beams with messages of hope and healing. Once the proton therapy system is installed, the decorated beams will rest within the walls of the treatment and maintenance areas.
“This system is the most advanced of its kind in the Tampa Bay area,” said Kosj Yamoah, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Radiation Oncology Department at Moffitt. “It delivers the power of large multiroom systems in a smarter, more efficient single-room design. It’s precise, scalable and built to grow with future innovation. It will touch thousands of lives and transform care across the region.”
Moffitt has partnered with Barr & Barr Inc., Hammes Company, Nelson Construction, DLR Group Tsoi Kobus, Whiting Turner and Foresight. Moffitt broke ground on Speros in January 2023 and will welcome its first patient on opening day in January 2026.
Find b-roll of the ceremony, construction renderings and ceremony photos here.
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-844-495-1371), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
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