La Trobe University has officially opened the Digital Innovation Hub, a cutting-edge innovation precinct that will accelerate research and development in critical sectors, including advanced manufacturing.
Developed in partnership with global technology leaders Cisco and Optus, the Digital Innovation Hub will offer unprecedented technological capability for greater collaboration between students, researchers, businesses, and industry.
Among the critical sectors expected to benefit from this are healthcare, education, transportation, and smart urban infrastructure.
Located at La Trobe’s Bundoora campus, the new hub features Optus’ 5G connectivity and is the first of its kind in Australia to host Cisco’s Webex Hologram technology.
The facility will serve as a one-stop-shop for enterprise and government organisations, students, startups, and Victorian businesses to grow, innovate and transform together.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney, who attended the launch of the Digital Innovation Hub today, said facilities like the hub provide students with a chance to test and improve their skills while helping businesses tackle real-world challenges.
“Victoria is an innovation powerhouse and as international leaders in research and development, our universities play a crucial role in our state’s success,” the minister said.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor John Dewar commended the establishment of the purpose-built centre, saying that it cements the university’s position as a leader in tech innovations that are relevant to industries around the world.
“The Digital Innovation Hub builds on the University’s deep connection to business, creating a catalyst for new research and commercial developments that could transform sectors like healthcare, education, and telecommunications. It offers real-time opportunities for our students, academics and business to collaborate and innovate,” Professor Dewar said.
The Digital Innovation Hub is located within La Trobe University’s Research and Innovation Precinct, a key platform of La Trobe’s University City of the Future, one of a small group of beta testers around the world with access to Cisco’s Webex Hologram technology, which is designed to create a live, photorealistic holographic interaction using industry-leading AR headsets.
