La Trobe’s new $23m science and technology metacentre
This first half of 2021 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting time in Melbourne’s north. A range of initiatives have been put in motion to tackle and strengthen the region’s economy, including growth in innovation, research, jobs and training.
A newly funded innovation metacentre at La Trobe University will boost business access to world-leading research expertise in food, agriculture, health and wellbeing, and digital technologies.
The hubs will be part of a $23m science and technology metacentre that will begin construction at La Trobe’s Bundoora campus in May, creating over 170 jobs.
The Digital Innovation Hub will connect La Trobe and its technology partners with businesses to improve their processes, products and services through use of digital technologies and development of digital workforce skills.
With an emphasis on the agrifood industry, the Bio Innovation Hub will offer ‘wet’ lab space, which is in very short supply in Melbourne. It will also provide equipment for biotechnology and agri-technology companies so they can commercialise their research discoveries.
Businesses – from start-ups to SMEs – will have the opportunity to become tenants. Benefits include access to short courses delivered by La Trobe academics that will help industry develop workforce skills in data analytics, cybersecurity and telehealth.
Read more here:
New hubs are catalysts for innovation
