Curtin and Cisco Strengthen Global Innovation Ties Through Singapore Launch

Innovation Central Model Extends to Asia-Pacific with New Facility at Curtin Singapore

Industry-academic partnerships are increasingly recognised as essential drivers of innovation, workforce development, and economic resilience. A notable example of such collaboration is the long-standing alliance between Cisco and Curtin University, which has flourished through Innovation Central Perth (ICP)—a centre established in 2015 to address real-world industry challenges through joint research and solution prototyping. Following nearly a decade of successful operation in Australia, the partnership is now poised for international expansion. In a joint announcement, Cisco and Curtin University confirmed the launch of Innovation Central  Singapore, scheduled to open later this year at Curtin’s Singapore campus. This new facility will extend the proven ICP model to the Asia-Pacific region, enabling broader collaboration among Cisco engineers, Curtin researchers, and students. The initiative aims to foster innovation across critical sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mining, and digital health.

Professor Harlene Hayne, Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University, emphasised that the partnership with Cisco has significantly shaped Western Australia’s digital innovation ecosystem. She noted that the collaboration has benefited both industry and government while providing students with hands-on learning opportunities in emerging fields. She further stated that the Singapore expansion would allow a wider network of experts, partners, and students to engage in solving real-world challenges through research and innovation.

Professor Melanie Johnston-Hollitt, Chair of the ICP Governing Board, highlighted that since 2020, ICP has facilitated over 130 student placements and supported more than 150 projects across diverse sectors, including health, banking, tourism, and manufacturing. She expressed enthusiasm for launching the first international ICP in Singapore and reaffirmed the team’s commitment to advancing global industry innovation. The new facility is expected to strengthen regional partnerships and enhance engagement in emerging technologies. Notably, ICP’s collaboration with Curtin contributed to the establishment of the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN) in 2020, with Curtin serving as a founding partner. NIIN has become one of Australia’s largest platforms for industry-university collaboration, dedicated to solving national challenges and fostering workforce readiness.

Ben Dawson, Senior Vice President at Cisco for Australia and New Zealand, underscored ICP’s role in supporting Australia’s digital ambitions. He stated that the partnership has helped NIIN attract over half a billion dollars in project funding and deliver hundreds of impactful initiatives. Dawson also affirmed that the collaboration with Curtin University has been instrumental in positioning Australia as a global leader in digital transformation and expressed strong support for extending the model to Singapore. In addition, Professor Johnston-Hollitt acknowledged the leadership of Professor Alex Stojcevski, Pro-Vice Chancellor and President of Curtin Singapore, for spearheading the development of the Innovation Central facility in the region. The expansion of Innovation Central to Singapore marks a strategic advancement in global research collaboration, reinforcing the role of universities as catalysts for innovation and economic growth.

Editor’s Note:

The global expansion of Innovation Central marks an important step in strengthening partnerships between universities and industry. As the world increasingly depends on digital technology and innovation, the Cisco–Curtin collaboration shows how such efforts can help solve real-world problems. By bringing its successful model to Singapore, Curtin University is showing its dedication to working globally and building strong research and talent networks in the Asia-Pacific region. Combining academic knowledge with industry experience is key to creating jobs, preparing skilled workers, and supporting long-term growth.

Skoobuzz believes that this move is a strong example for governments, educators, and businesses to consider as they look for ways to promote innovation through international cooperation.