The La Trobe Digital Innovation Hub opened its doors to prospective students and their families during the 2024 Open Day at the La Trobe University Melbourne Campus in Bundoora. The event brought the community into the cutting-edge facility to explore the hub's technology and innovative projects.
The Digital Innovation Hub offers a range of technologies, on the day many were on show including the immersive Virtual Reality (VR) activity held in the hub’s Optus 5G Boardroom. Attendees explored the application of VR technology across diverse sectors and scenarios.
Another Open Day highlight was an address from Professor Wei Xiang, Cisco Chair of AI and Internet of Things, and his team of researchers, who presented on a groundbreaking project titled 3D Digital Twin for La Trobe University City of the Future.
This research will create a digital replica of La Trobe University's built environment, allowing for enhanced planning and development while promoting sustainability. The insights shared by Professor Xiang offered a glimpse into the future of urban development and the innovative research taking place at the University.
The hub is a key piece of La Trobe’s Research and Innovation Precinct and a core component of its University City of the Future vision.
Additionally, visitors were able to engage University representatives at educational displays focused on Civil Engineering, Postgraduate Engineering, Computer Science, IT, and Cybersecurity. These exhibits showcased the latest advancements and opportunities within these disciplines, sparking interest and conversations among attendees.
The La Trobe Digital Innovation Hub played a pivotal role in making the University Open Day an informative and inspiring experience for all who attended.
Snapshot: Digital Innovation Hub
The Digital Innovation Hub is a purpose-built space designed to foster collaboration and digital innovation among industry partners, researchers and students. It provides access to advanced facilities and capabilities in Artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), software development, data analytics and networking. This is possible due to the co-location of three leading digital labs within the hub: Optus 5G Lab, Cisco Innovation Central Melbourne and the La Trobe Centre and AI and IoT.
For industry, the hub is an ideal environment for hands-on learning and digital experimentation. It connects users with experts including software engineers and architects, programmers and product developers, as well as other like-minded businesses, to help build digital capability, and create and test new products. It enables commercial grade prototyping, testing and the commercialisation of digital solutions that can be practically implemented within a business.
With a focus on interdisciplinary projects, the hub encourages a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a launchpad for students to work on real-world challenges, develop solutions, and connect with industry leaders. This ethos not only enhances educational experiences but also contributes to the broader goals of economic growth and technological advancement in the University’s wider community.
For more information, visit Digital Innovation Hub or contact the Digital Innovation Hub team on dih@latrobe.edu.au
