Bundoora has received a huge tech boost with the unveiling of La Trobe University’s Digital Innovation Hub with small businesses across the north are set to benefit.
The hub project is part of state government’s higher education state investment fund, supporting universities with applied research and infrastructure projects, with the aims to boost the economy coming out of the COVID pandemic.
The Optus 5G Lab, Cisco Innovation Central Melbourne, and La Trobe’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things are all within the hub at Bundoora.
Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney said the new centre keeps Melbourne’s north up to date with the rest of Victoria as an “innovation powerhouse”, and the hub will serve a purpose for students as much as it will businesses.
“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,” she said.
Bundoora MP Colin Brooks believes the hub will boost the north.
“The Innovation Hub at La Trobe is a great addition to the Bundoora precinct. Not only will it connect students with industry partners, it will also take their studies up a notch as they experiment with its exciting new technologies.”
La Trobe University vice-chancellor and president John Dewar said the facility personifies their commitment to providing quality opportunities.
“This state-of-the-art centre provides students, academics and businesses with access to leading technology innovators, which will particularly benefit the communities of the north of Melbourne, and regional Victoria,” he said.
Gerald Lynch
