About
Innovating for Impact
Based at La Trobe University, Innovation Central Melbourne (ICM), helps businesses connect with researchers, government, and industry partners to develop solutions across digital technology, health, biotech and agriculture. As part of Cisco’s National Industry Innovation Network, ICM provides access to expertise, facilities, and connections to accelerate commercially focused research and development.
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Our Capabilities
We specialise in co-design and rapid prototyping, helping tackle complex technological challenges through structured discovery and solution mapping.
Bringing together expertise in data science, software engineering, digital design, research, learning and development, and commercial prototyping to support digital transformation.
From short-term research and development sprints to long-term collaborative research, ICM provides the tools, talent, and flexibility needed to move from concept to outcome.
About
Members & Collaborators
Innovation Central Melbourne partners with organisations in various industries to transform their products, services, and processes through the integration of digital technologies.
Insights
Success Stories
Explore our successful projects with other organisations and how we’ve co-created digital solutions.
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Members and Collaborators
Innovation Central Melbourne operates in partnership within La Trobe University, Cisco, and Optus. Together, we collaborate across sectors to accelerate the integration of digital technologies, bridging research, industry expertise, and infrastructure to enable practical innovation at scale.
We specialise in:
Co-Design and Rapid Prototyping
ICM helps businesses take the first step when the problem, and even the solution is unclear. We run structured co-design sprints to define challenges, uncover hidden opportunities within existing infrastructure, and move quickly to prototype and test solutions.
Applied AI and Computer Vision
Leveraging La Trobe’s research strengths and Cisco’s engineering platforms, ICM develops AI-powered tools for real-time monitoring, computer vision, and advanced analytics. We harness the network as a platform—enabling insights into workforce dynamics and doing things like deploying AI-enabled drone robotics for complex indoor environments.
Smart Infrastructure and IoT Integration
ICM builds real-world systems like digital twins, smart networks, and workplace utilisation tools, often using infrastructure customers already own. We bridge operational needs with connected technologies.
Digital Strategy and Platform Innovation
We help organisations get more from the digital platforms they already use - unlocking hidden capabilities, improving integration, and driving new business outcomes. ICM supports innovation-led transformation by turning existing infrastructure into an opportunity for improvement and growth.
Student Talent and Internships
ICM integrates La Trobe students into live projects through internships and the NIIN MasterTech program. It’s a low-risk, high-impact way to access emerging talent while shaping the workforce of the future. With the establishment of the NIIN Alumni Program, our capacity to support you is growing.
