Western Australia’s data science ecosystem will be further nurtured and grown thanks to a major funding boost for the Curtin University-led WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH) through the State Government’s New Industries Fund.
Announced by Minister for ICT and Innovation, The Hon Don Punch, WADSIH will receive $1.2 million over the next four years that, together with funding provided by Curtin University, will be used to ensure WA remains at the forefront of the digital revolution by building capability and capacity.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Chris Moran said the funding would help WADSIH in its ultimate mission to build a data driven ecosystem and culture that fosters collaboration, promotes expertise and advocates for data literacy.
“This Curtin-led Innovation Hub helps to ensure WA remains at the forefront of the digital revolution by building capability in the workforce and driving collaboration through linkages between universities, industry and government,” Professor Moran said.
“This financial support will ensure WADSIH is able to provide invaluable opportunities for both mature and emerging data science experts around the state to build their skills and foster cross-sector collaboration.”
WADSIH Director Alex Jenkins said the funding announcement is welcome recognition of the vital role the hub plays in growing the uptake, education, training and awareness of data science in WA.
“We are grateful to the State Government for its continued support and to the wider WA data industry for the fantastic engagement WADSIH has received since its inception in 2018,” Mr Jenkins said.
“We have already seen incredible growth in the WA data science ecosystem, and we will work to ensure that this continues.”
The WA Data Science Innovation Hub focus areas include leveraging mature data science sectors to enable diversification of the WA economy; providing support to WA’s start up ecosystem; supporting digital and data inclusion through initiatives focused on regional and remote areas, Indigenous Australians, and community services; enabling a capable future workforce of data scientists through linkages with industry and domain experience and upskilling the WA workforce.
For the full the funding announcement visit here.
For more on WADSIH see here.
