The Cisco Internet of Everything Innovation Centre (CIIC), co-founded by Cisco, Curtin University and Woodside Energy Ltd, was recognised at the Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA) Research Commercialisation Awards last week in Brisbane.<\/p>\n
Winning the category Best Creative Engagement Strategy, the CIIC was recognised for its engagement strategy with the large and small industry partners, technology companies, researchers and government agencies. <\/p>\n
The CIIC is an industry and research collaboration centre at Curtin University. The Centre brings together start-ups, industry experts, developers and researchers in an open environment to create innovative solutions that will foster growth, provide jobs and build sustainable economies. <\/p>\n
With a foundation in radio astronomy, supercomputing and software expertise, much of the current work at the CIIC involves leveraging data analytics, cybersecurity and digital transformation network platforms. <\/p>\n
Professor Chris Moran, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Development at Curtin, said it was a great achievement to have the engagement strategy of the CIIC recognised at the Australasian event. <\/p>\n
\u201cProjects developed and undertaken by the Internet of Everything Innovation Centre encourage new ideas and experimentation between researchers and clients, with a goal to create new and innovative solutions that could potentially transform current business processes,\u201d Professor Moran said.<\/p>\n
\u201cResearchers must engage with clients from private industry, government, local established business and newly formed start-ups and a strong engagement strategy is essential to allow the CIIC to link in and provide services to the wide-variety of needs across these industries.\u201d<\/p>\n
Woodside\u2019s Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Mr Shaun Gregory, said the award recognised the importance of collaboration in innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe collaborative innovation is the key to future growth and by working together with researchers, entrepreneurs and subject matter experts we can create a world-class legacy of technological excellence in Western Australia,\u201d Mr Gregory said. <\/p>\n
Kevin Bloch, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Cisco Australia New Zealand, said Cisco was delighted that this vital investment between industry and university had been externally recognised. <\/p>\n
\u201cDeveloping and driving commercial, applied opportunities is why the investment between Cisco, Curtin and Woodside is so crucial,\u201d Mr Bloch said. <\/p>\n
\u201cMajor international projects such as the Square Kilometre Array and oil and gas telemetry demonstrate the importance of collaboration between industry and research entities.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to the win, Curtin had finalists in the Best Commercial Deal and Best Entrepreneurial Initiative categories. <\/p>\n
The Shutdown Maintenance Optimisation research project between Curtin and Linkforce Engineering, one of the largest engineering services companies in WA, was a finalist in the Best Commercial Deal category. <\/p>\n
This project, recently named the overall winner at the 2016 Curtin Commercial Innovation Awards, has resulted in unique mathematical algorithms for scheduling maintenance activities in mine plant shutdowns.<\/p>\n
Linkforce Engineering is currently developing a professional shutdown planning system based on these algorithms, and is exploring commercialisation opportunities across the mining and resource sectors.<\/p>\n
The Curtin Accelerate program was a finalist in the Best Entrepreneurial Initiative category. <\/p>\n
The program helps motivated individuals and teams to kick-start or accelerate their business ideas. Over a ten-week period, the program provides personalised one-to-one and group mentoring sessions; a $5,000 equity-free grant; access to networks including commercialisation experts, investors and potential partners; and workshops delivered by an industry professional, all assisting participants to help bring their ideas and businesses closer to commercial success.<\/p>\n