Optus, La Trobe University, and Cisco Collaborate to Launch State-of-the-Art Digital Innovation Hub
Melbourne, Australia – In a groundbreaking collaboration, Optus, La Trobe University, and Cisco have unveiled the Digital Innovation Hub (DIH), an advanced innovation precinct located at La Trobe’s Bundoora campus. This cutting-edge facility promises to revolutionize collaboration between students, researchers, businesses, and industries across various sectors.
At the heart of the DIH is Optus’ 5G technology, making it the only hub in Australia to feature CISCO Webex Hologram technology. The fusion of these platforms provides unparalleled opportunities for organizations, including enterprise and government bodies, start-ups, and SMEs in Melbourne’s north and regional Victoria, to access La Trobe’s digital capabilities and global partners.
The DIH boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to drive innovation in sectors such as healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, transportation, and smart urban infrastructure. Its key feature, the Makerspace, is equipped with advanced tools including circuit board printers, laser cutters, 3D printers, and manufacturing equipment. These resources enable the development of innovative internet of things (IoT) sensors, heralding a new era of digital transformation.
Facilities like La Trobe University’s Digital Innovation Hub give students a chance to test and improve their skills while helping businesses to tackle real-world challenges. This means everyone involved is transforming and growing, said the Minister for Skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney, highlighting the significance of this collaboration in fostering business and academic growth.
Professor John Dewar AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of La Trobe University, expressed his excitement about the DIH, stating, The Digital Innovation Hub is an exciting precinct that will lead to new research and commercial developments that could transform sectors like healthcare, education, and telecommunications. The DIH offers real-time opportunities for our students, academics, and businesses to collaborate and innovate.
Kavin Arnasalon, Optus’ Head of Government, Enterprise and Business, emphasized the importance of supporting universities as research institutions and enabling the integration of technology into the workplace. Through our strategic partnership with La Trobe University and Cisco, Optus looks forward to supporting students, researchers, and the next generation of business leaders to have hands-on experience in driving business transformation, Arnasalon stated.
The DIH’s partnership with Cisco brings access to their Webex Hologram technology, creating a live, photorealistic holographic interaction using augmented reality headsets. Acting as a beta tester for this groundbreaking technology, the DIH enables immersive experiences that go beyond conventional video conferencing.
Furthermore, the DIH provides a platform for a range of innovative initiatives, including the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) that allows doctors and nurses to see each other’s perspectives using augmented reality technology. Additionally, augmented reality experiences utilizing smart glasses are being trialed for various applications in healthcare, education, and agriculture.
The DIH also features an interactive touch wall, enabling visitors to explore research projects through multimedia presentations. Furthermore, Optus’ 5G co-design showcase and the National Industry Innovation Network showcase offer opportunities for experimentation, prototyping, and highlighting innovative projects and technologies.
The Digital Innovation Hub in Melbourne brings together a range of partners, projects, and precincts to offer students access to the industry right at their doorstep. That’s why we’ve chosen it as the home of Innovation Central Melbourne, a facility that brings tech leaders together with industry and academia to address the skills gap and solve real-world challenges. The Digital Innovation Hub offers the next wave of technologists the latest tech and connections to turbocharge innovation, explained Ben Dawson, Cisco’s Vice President for Australia & New Zealand.
The launch of the DIH builds on the long-standing partnership between Optus and La Trobe University, promoting cutting-edge research and digital health. Together, they continue to make strides in evolving La Trobe into a University of the Future and enhancing Victoria’s health and technology sectors.
The Digital Innovation Hub at La Trobe University represents a significant milestone in driving innovation, collaboration, and digital empowerment. It serves as a testament to the power of partnerships and underscores Australia’s commitment to technological advancement in various sectors.
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About La Trobe University:
La Trobe University is a renowned Australian public university with a proud history of academic excellence. As one of Australia’s largest providers of higher education, it is committed to transformative education, impactful research, and cultivating strong communities.
About Optus:
Optus is a leading telecommunications company in Australia, providing a comprehensive range of communication services and innovative solutions to individuals, businesses, and government organizations.
About Cisco:
Cisco is a global technology leader specializing in networking, cybersecurity, and collaboration solutions. With a focus on innovation, Cisco aims to transform businesses, governments, and communities to thrive in a digital world.
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