Start-ups and businesses will work with universities and the State Government as part of the Curtin University-led WA Data Science Innovation Hub, which aims to ensure the State remains at the forefront of digital and internet technologies.
Minister for Innovation and ICT, the Hon Dave Kelly MLA, announced today that the State Government will allocate $800,000 to establish the WA Data Science Innovation Hub at Curtin University, which will be launched next month.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said she was delighted the State Government was supporting the hub because it would help drive innovation in a rapidly changing sector.
“We know there is an emerging start-up ecosystem in Western Australia, with more than 8000 people already working in internet and digital technology companies,” Professor Terry said.
“It is critical that we ensure the digital disruption industry is working together to help grow the domestic economy and generate new jobs in this growing sector.”
Professor Terry said the hub would connect industry to universities, ensuring the transfer of knowledge across various sectors impacted by digital disruption including mining, oil and gas, and agriculture.
“As part of the new hub, data science undergraduate and postgraduate students from all four public universities will also gain vital insights into the sector by being exposed to real-world data science opportunities and work experience placements,” Professor Terry said.
“The estimated economic impact of disruptive digital and internet technologies on WA’s economy in 2025 is $76 billion per annum, which means it is essential for all parts of the sector to work together to ensure we are best placed to meet the challenges of the future.”
The hub further leverages Curtin’s strong data science capabilities built around the Murchison Widefield Array, the Curtin Institute for Data Science, the Curtin Hub for Immersive Visualisation and eResearch (HIVE) and Innovation Central Perth, as well as wider collaborative initiatives including the Square Kilometre Array project and the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre.
Curtin University will match the State Government’s $800,000 contribution over four years to establish the WA Data Science Innovation Hub.
Curtin will establish the WA Data Science Innovation Hub across its Perth and Bentley sites to ensure maximum engagement with industry.
