Advanced digital design and visualisation technologies are at the heart of a landmark new initiative called “Innovation Central Adelaide” being launched virtually by Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price.
Jointly driven by Flinders University and global technology leader Cisco, Innovation Central Adelaide has been established at Flinders University’s new Digital Transformation Laboratory at the Tonsley Innovation District, also being opened by the Minister.
A space designed to nurture innovation and growth by solving real business problems for small and medium sized enterprises, Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says it represents the realisation of a national advanced technology network, complementing sister facilities in NSW, WA and Queensland.
‘The partnership between Flinders and Cisco expands the co-Innovation footprint of Innovation Centrals in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, bringing together researchers and industry to facilitate collaboration and create opportunities to solve real world problems, through technology innovation,’ Professor Stirling says.
‘It further reinforces the world-class expertise that Flinders researchers are contributing to the evolution of advanced manufacturing in South Australia, supporting jobs and the economy.’
Flinders’ Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research Innovation Professor John Spoehr says Innovation Central Adelaide will provide a high-tech treasure chest to South Australian firms, and turbo charge students’ real-world learning.
“We have companies champing at the bit to do better, but they lack capacity,” says Professor Spoehr.
“Innovation Central Adelaide gives them that capacity, supporting them to apply cutting edge design processes, rapid prototyping, simulation, and high-tech visualisation technologies that would otherwise be beyond their reach.
“In addition, companies will be able to use Innovation Central Adelaide to experiment with a range of robotics and automation technologies. Initial trials supported by the new facility will focus on collaboration systems, industrial networking, automation, industrial security, wireless systems and industrial sensor solutions.
Vice president of Cisco Australia and New Zealand, Ben Dawson says the partnership with Flinders University builds on Cisco’s ongoing commitment to innovation and research in Australia, and will see Flinders join the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN), a Cisco-led industry and university alliance aimed at solving industry challenges through the adoption of technology solutions.