La Trobe brings Cisco on campus

La Trobe University joins forces with leading global technology company Cisco to drive technology innovation, and to position and prepare students for industry-ready and digital skills required in the knowledge economy that help to solve real-world industry problems.

The partnership includes:

  • A new position of a Cisco Chair of the Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Establishing La Trobe University with a Cisco Co-innovation Centre presence
  • Access for educators and students to Cisco’s Digital Schools Network
  • Incorporation of Networking Academy module of IoT, cybersecurity and entrepreneurship into La Trobe courses.

La Trobe and Cisco have signed a new agreement to collaborate on technology innovation with a focus on IoT, and to also showcase what is possible in research and learning through a range of education initiatives, as signed in Melbourne, Australia today (10 September 2019).

The agreement will see the creation of a new Cisco Chair of the Internet of Things and a Co-Innovation Centre presence at the University, bringing together researchers and industry to facilitate collaboration and create opportunities to solve real world problems, through technology innovation.

The partnership also offers La Trobe access to Cisco’s best in class global programs such as its Networking Academy modules with IoT, cybersecurity and entrepreneurship, and access to the Digital Schools Network to share resources and connections.

Ultimately, the partnership will help to create opportunities for students and academia, with a new home for co-innovation and collaboration, enabled by access to world leading programs that spark creativity and connection to deliver ideas that will propel Australia’s digital future.

La Trobe University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said the new partnership with Cisco will have a profound impact on the University’s students, researchers and partners, as well as the broader community.

“Partnering with Cisco unlocks a rich world-wide network of best-practice, innovation, creativity and experience,” Professor Dewar said.

“It is fundamental to the evolving role of a modern university that researchers and teachers work closely with industry to address shared challenges. This is exactly what the new partnership will deliver, and I am delighted that our two institutions, with complementary strengths and interests, have agreed to forge stronger connections for the benefit of our respective communities.”

Cisco’s Vice President of Australia and New Zealand, Ken Boal, shared how Cisco’s partnership with La Trobe is part of its recently announced Country Digital Acceleration investment in Australia.

“By teaming with La Trobe University we’re supporting the development of industry ready skills that are required, today. The Internet of Things presents new research and innovation opportunities and will transform industries right across the globe. The Chair of IoT combined with the world class co-innovation capability, further our collaborative approach to innovative teaching and learning and open up the door for world leading research.”

The partnership with La Trobe builds on Cisco’s ongoing commitment to innovation and research in Australia and expands the Co-Innovation Centre footprint. There is currently an Innovation Central in Sydney, and in Perth.

“At Cisco we believe that industry has a key role in collaborating with the education sector to ensure the latest thinking and insights are shared and developed into the curriculum, as well as furthering research. Cisco is actively leading this effort by accelerating investment in education with a focus on digital skills and technology. This exciting partnership supports the upskilling of students in technology areas that are needed now, and critical for Australia’s long-term competitiveness,” Mr Boal said.

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