University of Sydney and UTS collaborate on Digital Central

The University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together on Digital Central, an ambitious collaboration that will harness the strength of the two universities in digital sciences and technologies to drive research collaboration and support industry success at a globally significant scale.

The collaboration will accelerate shared ambitions in research and innovation for the Tech Central innovation district. It will provide industry with a single point of engagement to access the leading research, skills and innovation in digital sciences and technologies, helping drive industry collaboration, job growth and enable NSW to achieve its ambition of becoming a world-leading digital industries hub.

Green Gate Consulting has been announced as the partners’ first major project, bringing together the University of Sydney and UTS internship programs: Jacaranda Flame and Optik. Under this collaboration, high-performing students from both universities’ faculties of engineering will form consulting teams for industry clients, gaining the opportunity to work with industry partners on areas ranging from biomedical engineering to artificial intelligence systems.

Green Gate Consulting will bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and real-world industry applications with a 12-week program that culminates in a tradeshow during which the consulting teams will pitch to their industry partner.

Three projects that are currently underway include:

·      Improving the safety and efficiency of a manufacturing process step for implantable biomedical devices;

·      Developing an AI software platform designed to manage and enhance innovation in the defence contracting sector, and;

·      Creating a safer environment through the development of an AI system that leverages existing surveillance technologies.

One project in Tech Central is ARIA Research, a start-up developing vision for the blind via sound using technologically advanced human echolocation that enables blind users to perceive their surroundings in precise detail. Over the past three years, the ARIA Research project has been developed in collaboration with University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney’s faculties of engineering, Blind Citizens Australia and World Access for the Blind Australia, with the support of the Australian Federal Government.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research – Enterprise and Engagement) from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Engineering, Professor Julie Cairney said: “As anchor tenants in Tech Central, together with UTS we are enabling a vibrant ecosystem where ideas flourish, people connect and industry can access top talent and ideas.”

“Having the opportunity to build experience within leading digital and technology industries is a boon for these students. While students gain practical hands-on learning experience, our industry partners also gain access to talented students who are ready to work,” she said.

UTS Vice Chancellor and President Professor Andrew Parfitt said: “In an era where technological advancements are shaping the world at an unprecedented rate, the role of universities in fostering innovation and collaboration has never been more critical.

“It is also increasingly clear that rather than going it alone, universities such as UTS and the University of Sydney are joining forces to solve complex global problems reaps benefits for our partners, students, governments and our communities,” he said.