Deakin University to build new $6.5 million digital innovation hub for SMEs

The Victorian government has announced $2 million in funding for a new centre at Deakin University’s Burwood campus, which it says will provide support to SMEs involved in healthcare, manufacturing and trades.

According to a statement from Deakin on Wednesday, the new facility, budgeted at $6.5 million, would deliver the below services:

• A Live Cyber Defence Centre and Cyber Testing and Hacking Lab for cyber awareness and resilience training’ 
• Two Co-Innovation Labs and an Industry Makers Room; 
• An Advanced AI, Robotics and Automation Lab for artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, advanced data analytics and mixed reality;
• An Events Space for hosting ecosystem events, trade shows and other functions;
• Sprint Rooms for ‘idea hacking’; and
• Facilitation spaces for “deep discovery and opportunity facilitation and design-thinking work.”

The release also said 122 jobs would be created through the centre by 2025, with further roles added at participating businesses.

“The partnerships produced by and within the DISH will help define the jobs and skills of the future and shape our coursework,” said  Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Julie Owens.

“The DISH will play a key role in ensuring our students are job-ready and that they understand the significant benefits, including increased opportunities to make a real-world difference, that come from working within Victoria’s small businesses.”

Phase one construction of the new Digital Innovation and SME Hub (DISH) is scheduled to finish in March next year. It is being funded through the Victorian government’s contribution through its Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, $3.5 million from Deakin, and $1 million from industry participants.

Picture: cundall.com

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