La Trobe and Microsoft launch ICT innovation centre

La Trobe University and Microsoft have established one of Australia’s first campus-based Microsoft Centre, the first of three to be set up in partnership between the two organisations.

The new centre will provide cutting edge hardware and software and will lower infrastructure barriers to ensure students, academics and SMB companies have access to start-up facilities, research, and product development.

La Trobe University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Johnson, said the University was extremely pleased that its expertise and reputation for software research, development and information technology had attracted such important infrastructure to Victoria.

“The facilities and activities in the centre will focus on strategic projects, closely aligned to the Microsoft platform, encouraging the innovative abilities of our students and furthering their entrepreneurial skills and career prospects.

“This, in turn, will contribute to economic growth through development and transfer of technology, new products and world-class skill acquisition.”

Norbert Haehnel, director of Developer and Platform Group, said Microsoft will provide support ranging from mentoring and access to the latest software and IT tools to seminars and workshops dealing with emerging technologies.

“We will be promoting the centre’s facilities to Microsoft partners, industry clusters and other stakeholders, opening up opportunities for students and helping local business source the next generation of IT professional,” said Mr Haehnel.

La Trobe’s Centre for Technology Infusion is a University-based research and product realisation facility.