La Trobe University has opened its Digital Innovation Hub in partnership with Cisco and Optus.
Gayle Tierney, Minister for Skills and TAFE, inaugurated the opening of the hub, which aims to advance technology and, foster collaboration among students, researchers, businesses and industries.
Nestled within La Trobe’s Bundoora campus, the Digital Innovation Hub, fueled by Optus’ 5G connectivity, is the exclusive Australian host of Cisco’s Webex Hologram technology. This unique space serves as a nexus for enterprises, government bodies, startups, and Victorian businesses to collectively thrive, innovate and transform.
“La Trobe University’s Digital Innovation Hub empowers students to refine their skills while aiding businesses in addressing real-world challenges, facilitating transformation and growth for all involved,” said Minister of Skills Gayle Tierney at the opening.
John Dewar AO, La Trobe’s Vice-Chancellor, hailed the hub’s inauguration, reaffirming the university’s position as a global tech trailblazer relevant to diverse industries. He underscored its capacity to catalyse groundbreaking research and commercial advancements across sectors such as healthcare, education and telecommunications.
“The Digital Innovation Hub offers the next wave of technologists with the latest tech and connections at their fingertips to turbocharge innovation,” said Ben Dawson, Vice President for Australia and New Zealand at Cisco.
He highlighted the significance of this Melbourne-based hub in offering students direct access to industry leaders, fostering collaborations with academia to bridge the skills gap and tackle tangible problems.
“Through Optus’ fast and reliable 5G connectivity, students and researchers across the country can harness the untapped possibilities that technology such as AI, virtual and augmented reality and ultra-reliable low latency hold,” said Kavin Arnasalon, Head of Government, Enterprise and Business at Optus.
The Digital Innovation Hub incorporates cutting-edge features such as Cisco’s Webex Hologram and an interactive touch wall. It also serves as a testbed for various smart glasses in sectors ranging from healthcare to agriculture, utilising augmented reality experiences.
This hub brings together three digital powerhouses — La Trobe & Cisco’s Centre for AI and IoT, Innovation Central Melbourne and the Optus 5G Lab — within a single facility. It is also a founding member of the National Industry Innovation Network that focuses on innovative projects and technologies across Australia.
Photo: Edward Lim
Entelechy Asia 