Curtin & Cisco expand Innovation Central partnership to Singapore
Cisco and Curtin University are extending their Innovation Central partnership beyond Australia with the announcement of a new facility at Curtin's Singapore campus.
Established in 2015, Innovation Central Perth (ICP) has brought together Cisco engineers, Curtin University researchers, and students to address a variety of industry challenges, resulting in projects and solutions designed to support economic growth and job creation.
After a decade of successful operation and having provided a model for similar centres across Australian universities, the partnership will now see the inaugural international Innovation Central open in Singapore later this year. The expansion will extend the model's focus on collaborative research and problem-solving to a wider region.
University and industry collaboration
"The decade-long and highly successful relationship between Curtin and Cisco has transformed the role of digital innovation, allowing ICP to become a cornerstone of Western Australia's digital innovation ecosystem," Professor Hayne said.
Curtin University Vice Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne highlighted the breadth of opportunities and influence that ICP has generated. She continued, "Not only has ICP been crucial for industry and government, it has also been an outstanding vehicle for providing work-integrated learning opportunities for Curtin students to gain skills directly with industry partners, particularly in key areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mining and digital health.
"Now with Innovation Central expanding to Curtin Singapore, a wider range of industry, experts and students will have the opportunity to collaborate and solve real-world industry challenges using innovative thinking and research."
Growth and global reach
Professor Melanie Johnston-Hollitt, Chair of the ICP Governing Board and Director of the Curtin Institute for Data Science, described ICP's expansion and its role in workforce development. "Since 2020, ICP has provided more than 130 Curtin students with industry placements and led more than 150 projects across various critical sectors including mining and resources, manufacturing, government, health, insurance, banking and tourism," Professor Johnston-Hollitt said.
"It has been a tremendous honour to witness ICP's growth and contribute to this highly skilled and dedicated team. We are thrilled to be launching the first international Innovation Central in Singapore and continuing to support industry on a global scale."
The new Singapore facility is expected to foster partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region and facilitate student and sector engagement in emerging technologies, as well as practical collaboration.
National impact
ICP's work, in conjunction with Curtin University, also contributed to the foundation of the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN), which was launched in 2020. Curtin is a founding partner in the initiative, designed to bring together universities and industry bodies in pursuing solutions to national-level issues and supporting Australia's digital development.
The NIIN is regarded as one of Australia's most comprehensive platforms of its type, aiming to promote technology adoption and workforce skills development across sectors. ICP's position was instrumental in helping NIIN meet these objectives.
Funding and digital transformation
Ben Dawson, Senior Vice President at Cisco for Australia and New Zealand, described ICP's role in the NIIN's achievements and its alignment with Australia's digital ambition.
"Innovation Central Perth has been a major contributor to the success of the National Industry Innovation Network and demonstrates what's possible when industry and academia come together to solve real-world challenges," Mr Dawson said.
"Our proven model to scale innovation with the NIIN has already attracted over half a billion dollars in project-related funding and delivered hundreds of impactful projects. This longstanding partnership with Curtin is vital in playing a role in positioning Australia as a global leader in digital transformation, ensuring we have the skills, technology, and innovation needed to secure our economic future and we are excited about the future possibilities of extending the partnership into the region."
Professor Johnston-Hollitt also recognised the contribution of Curtin Singapore Pro-Vice Chancellor and President Professor Alex Stojcevski for leading the Singapore initiative.
