ICB Annual Report 2024 - Innovation Central Brisbane

Introduction

Welcome to Innovation Central Brisbane (ICB), a collaboration between Cisco and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and proud founding member of the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN). At ICB, we connect academia, industry, government, students and technology companies to deliver meaningful impact and accelerate innovation across Australia and beyond. Read More

Over the past two years, ICB has evolved from a bold vision into a thriving scale-up, delivering measurable outcomes through connected partnerships and innovative momentum. Expanding to eight strategic priorities, we are advancing digital skills, accelerating prototype development, fostering an innovation-driven community, and solving critical challenges that resonate locally in Queensland and on the global stage.

Together with Cisco, QUT, and our ecosystem of partners and people across the NIIN, we have turned ambitious ideas into practical solutions and real-world skills, fostered a culture of innovation with connected communities, and co-created impactful outcomes.

This report is more than a collection of this year’s achievements; it reflects the strength of our connected partnerships. By uniting bold ideas with practical solutions, we deliver impact today while building the foundations to scale our influence across industries and communities tomorrow.

As we look ahead to the horizons of growth, ICB is poised to accelerate its role as a national leader and cornerstone of NIIN’s vision for Australia’s and Asia Pacific’s innovation ecosystem.

Thank you to our valued partners, collaborators, team members and QUT students for your trust, energy, and contributions to this shared journey.

Together, we are shaping a connected, scalable, and impactful future.

Gemma Alker Director, Innovation Central Brisbane
Queensland University of Technology

The National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN) was formed to create a collaboration vehicle for industry, academia, and government to apply innovation at scale to industry challenges and high order economic and societal priorities. The NIIN is a Cisco led collaboration with universities linked by a common goal: to increase the pace, scale, and impact from digital innovation in Australia. ICB cultivates partnerships between industry and academia to address national challenges through a digital ecosystem that connects people to leverage technology, research, and academic expertise and capability. ICB is where university students and researchers come together with big tech, industry and government leaders to solve real-world problems and innovate the future. By providing opportunities for students to work on industry projects, ICB is not only helping industry solve problems, we are helping to prepare students for the jobs of the future.

Reg Johnson Director, Education and Strategic Industries
Cisco Australia and NZ

ICB is transforming Queensland’s innovation ecosystem while shaping its influence on the global stage. With people at its core, ICB is accelerating digital solutions to solve complex challenges faster, more creatively, and more efficiently. By enabling government, industry, and academia to collaborate, ICB drives breakthrough prototypes and creates new economic opportunities, delivering scalable outcomes that empower Queensland to lead and connect in a global digital economy. Through its initiatives, ICB not only builds solutions but also fosters a culture of innovation, inspiring bold thinking and action across sectors.

Terry Weber Regional Manager - QLD, NT and PNG
Cisco

As the education landscape evolves, the demand for digital skills, collaboration, and real-world experience has never been greater. ICB accelerates this evolution by creating a dynamic bridge between academic excellence, big tech capabilities, and industry needs. By offering hands-on opportunities, students gain critical skills, expand their networks, and prepare to thrive in a global economy. Through connected partnerships, ICB delivers actionable insights and practical solutions—from student engagement to research amplification—ensuring Queensland’s innovation ecosystem drives meaningful local impact while scaling its influence on the global stage.

Prof. Cameron Newton Deputy Dean, Faculty of Business and Law
Queensland University of Technology

Balka bebalka (welcome, welcome) in the language of the Yugara people. QUT acknowledges the Turrbal and Yugara as the First Nations owners of the lands where QUT now stands. We pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. We recognise that these lands have always been places of teaching, research, and learning. QUT acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islaander people continue to play within the QUT community.

What is Innovation Central Brisbane?

Innovation Central Brisbane (ICB), co-founded in 2022 by Cisco and Queensland University of Technology, is an innovation lab located at QUT’s Gardens Point campus in the heart of Australia’s next Olympic city, Brisbane.

As a founding member and the Queensland lead of Cisco’s National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN), ICB is part of an Australia-wide network of Innovation Centrals providing access to a national platform of universities and industry partners enabling knowledge sharing and collaboration on digital innovation at scale.

ICB’s purpose is to accelerate Australia’s digital transformation success and build digital skills for a thriving economy.

We do this by providing space for an innovation sandpit, access to technology, talent and a global community, and expert ideation facilitation to accelerate collaboration and innovation.

ICB is led by Gemma Alker, an award-winning executive globally recognised for her expertise in entrepreneurial education and professional development. In 2023, Gemma received two International Stevie Awards for Women in Business, awarded Gold for Executive of the Year and Silver for Innovator of the Year.

At ICB, industry and government work in connected partnership with big tech, researchers and students to explore innovation opportunities, build rapid prototypes, and design technology solutions that solve real-world problems.

Vision & Misson

Vision

To be a globally recognised leader in connected partnerships that accelerate innovation, build digital skills, and create opportunities for shaping Australia’s future.

Mission

To create a thriving innovation ecosystem built on connected partnerships as an active member of the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN), to propel Australia forward through jobs, digital skills, and innovation success.

Innovation Central Brisbane (ICB) Strategic Model

What is the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN)?

The National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN) is one of the largest industry-university innovation ecosystems in Australia. Established in 2020 and anchored by globally leading technology company Cisco, the NIIN is a collective of universities, industry, and technology partners driven by one goal: to realise digital opportunities that benefit the lives of all Australians.

Through its network of Innovation Centrals, Research Chairs, Specialised Centres, and Alliances, the NIIN fosters collaborations that accelerate innovation, develop digital skills, and create transformative opportunities to solve problems of national significance at scale.

The NIIN Footprint

Key Milestones

Extended Partnership with Cisco and QUT (2024-2027)

The connected partnership between Cisco and QUT has been renewed for three more years, valued at $2.25M.

This scales ICB from a start-up in 2022 with a dual focus on student-industry projects and Trusted Retail, expanding to six pillars of focus in 2024 and now to a scale-up with eight strategic priorities and a global portfolio for the next horizon. This enhances ICB’s leadership within the NIIN to accelerate Australia’s innovation ecosystem.

Start-Up to Scale-Up

ICB expanded its strategic priorities in response to demand from a highly engaged and curious market to build on the success of its signature programs in digital skills, activating student-industry experiences and amplifying trusted retail thought leadership through community events.

This scales the portfolio to include: sports innovation, digital compliance for the financial services industry, aviation innovation community of influence, Queensland regional connectivity and women in tech leadership development.

Rivernet Communications Anchor Partnership Partnership

ICB is excited to welcome entrepreneurial, Queensland-grown technology company Rivernet Communications as its inaugural anchor partner to focus on driving Queensland’s innovation success and digital talent pipeline.

Together, we aim to equip the next generation with future-ready skills and technology job opportunities through prototype hackathons, student internships and graduate placements.

NTT DATA Anchor Partnership

ICB welcomed global technology company NTT DATA as an anchor partner, focusing on sports innovation, sustainability, graduate placements, and women in tech leadership.

This collaboration accelerates impactful programs that champion diversity and deliver innovative solutions for Australian enterprises and digital leaders, with a view to pave the way towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sports Tech Innovation

In an Olympic year and with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games only eight years away; there is a growing appetite to accelerate sports innovation. In response to this market demand, QUT Sport invited ICB to partner to create a QUT-led Sports Innovation Community of Influence for Australia.

This year’s activations included an industry roundtable attended by the Australian Sports Commision; and an open innovation workshop for State Sporting Organisations and Student and Industry combined ProtoComp Program delivered in partnership with QSport.

With participation by Queensland Rugby, Squash and Tenpin Bowling, four digital prototypes were built using augmented reality, drones software applications and AI, to address the challenge of increasing participation and revenue resilience in community sport. Read More

Appointed Industry Fellow Nicole Hatherly and Launched Digital Skills Programs

ICB appointed award-winning global brand strategist and thought leadership specialist Nicole Hatherly as its inaugural Industry Fellow.

Drawing on Nicole’s deep expertise, and the success of her pilot program with Centre for Future Enterprise and presentation at QUT’s Gender Equity Diversity Inclusion Symposium in 2023, she created and delivered ICB’s Digital Skills for Impact and Influence Masterclasses.

Upskilling 40 professionals, academics and students in 2024, registrations are already confirmed for 2025. The one-day and four-week masterclasses help humans articulate their value in the AI era, building digital skills to: develop a Digital Value Proposition and influential online brand; raise executive profile; and leverage LinkedIn to its fullest potential. Read More

Women of Cisco: Female Top Talent Program ANZ

Delivered by ICB in partnership with Industry Fellow Nicole Hatherly, the Women of Cisco Female Top Talent Program ANZ engaged 24 of Cisco’s brightest female leaders across Australia and New Zealand. This bespoke, two-part leadership program empowered participants by building confidence, connections, and innovation skills, culminating in the creation of digital prototypes pitched to Cisco’s senior leadership.

The program featured two key phases:

Part One: A four-week Digital Skills for Impact and Influence Masterclass with executive coaching to help participants articulate their value and enhance their online presence.

Part Two: A two-day high-energy hackathon at ICB, followed by a 10-week sprint where teams developed digital prototypes addressing the challenge: ‘How might Cisco lead digital inclusion by 2030?’ Final pitches were presented to the Cisco ANZ Vice President and senior leadership team. Read More

Student Engagement Milestones

Digital Health Prototypes powered by Rivernet

A signature engagement with anchor partner Rivernet,
during semester two, more than 80 students from all degrees and stages of study participated in ICB’s award-winning ProtoComp program.

Commencing with a two-day hackathon, students pitched creative solutions for, “How might technology improve hospital management efficiencies?” Inspired by mentoring from tech experts at Rivernet and Cisco, and industry experts from bdna, Metro North and Metro South Hospitals, 35 students in four teams were successful in being awarded funds from Rivernet and the rights to build their idea in ICB’s facilitated design-thinking program.

Using AI, IoT, Predictive Analytics and NFC chips, teams built four digital prototypes that were presented to a health care and industry audience at ICB’s Annual Showcase.

Sports Innovation ProtoComp

In partnership with QUT Sport and QSport, ICB launched the Sports Innovation Student ProtoComp Program.

In an ICB-first, students were teamed with tech experts and industry stakeholders from Queensland Rugby, Squash Queensland, Tenpin Bowling, and QUT Sport.

Forming teams, they collaborated in open innovation to develop four digital prototypes that advance the industries’ business resilience through sports technology innovation. Read More

MasterTECH at Cisco Live

ICB, joined the five Innovation Centrals of the NIIN, to compete in the first national NIIN Hackathon ‘MasterTECH’.

Run in real time at the World of Solutions during Cisco Live, and sponsored by Coles, 15 students (one team per IC) designed technology solutions for the “sustainable shop of the future”. Read More

Global Innovation Challenge

Partnering with Associate Professor Paula Dootson and Ingrid Larkin from the QUT Business School, 31 Masters students, from eight Triple A rated international Business Schools, built six digital prototypes in a two-week accelerated program for the State Library of Queensland. Read More

Classroom to Boardroom

ICB collaborated with Unit Coordinators of QUT Business School’s first-year Future Enterprise Unit and final-year Real World Ready capstone; to engage 2750 students to develop innovative solutions addressing real-world technology challenges for industry partners Queensland State Library, Opera Queensland and Queensland Government Department of Energy and Climate.

Cisco provided the technology ‘feasibility’ guest lectures and students pitched their solutions to the industry partners.

NetAcademy

NetAcademy equips students with practical, industry-relevant skills through Cisco-certified courses and real-world learning opportunities.

Embedded in QUT’s Future You programs, this vital initiative engages high school students across Queensland, inspiring the next generation of technology leaders.

By providing hands-on experience and foundational digital knowledge, the connected partnership with NetAcademy helps students build essential skills to succeed in the rapidly evolving tech industry.

Paid Internships

ICB facilitated internships connecting talented QUT students with industry partners to gain valuable, real-
world experience.

Mentored by Associate Professor Wasana Bandara, a QUT student interned at Queensland Cricket to design digital solutions for back-office operations, demonstrating the value of integrating student expertise into industry.

These placements bridge the gap between academia and workforce needs, equipping students with practical skills while driving innovation in the workplace.

Community Milestones

ICB as a Destination

ICB is the only CBD-based Innovation Central of the NIIN. Located in the heart of campus on the ground floor of the library at QUT Gardens Point, ICB is a signature destination for global VIPs, executives, Ministers and students.

Activation at ICB scaled this year, with more than 46 events and more than 1,500 people engaged including: Cisco APJC President Dave West, Cisco ANZ Vice President Ben Dawson and Senior Leadership team, Splunk ANZ CEO and Senior Leadership, Thousand Eyes global board, QUT Senior Deputy-Vice President and senior leadership team members, NIIN Chairs and IC Directors and more than 40 partner and customer organisations from the Cisco ecosystem.

Award Winning

ICB Alumna (Sem 1 2022 Prototype Student) Taylah McCullough won the 2024 Women in Digital “Rising Star” National Award .

Taylah is a shining example of a future-leader, women in technology who has embraced the opportunities to advance her digital transformation skills, participate in student-industry innovation programs, and build global networks.

This channels her experiences to co-found tech start-up Forage Insights.

Amplifying ICB

Elevating the visibility and voice of ICB and strategic priorities of the NIIN, the ICB Director, Gemma Alker, delivered eight keynote presentations to business and government audiences, participated in two podcast interviews, joined the Children’s Hospital Queensland Industry Advisory Board for the Digital and Data Strategy, traveled to Japan to attend the NTT R&D Global Forum as a guest of the ANZ CEO and was a speaker on the Women of Cisco panel at Cisco Live APJC – broadcast to 10M people regionally.

Upgraded Facilities

The 100sqm space was upgraded with an interior redesign of zones and fitted with the latest technology donated by NTT DATA and AI-camera functionality by meldCX.

Active Member of Queensland

Committed to building an active and engaged innovation community, ICB became a corporate member of Women in Digital, and expanded its corporate membership with Queensland Futures Institute, sponsoring the Blue Sky Innovation breakfast with QUT’s Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz and Professor Sarah Kelly OAM joining as speakers.

The panel included futurists leading moon-shots across health care, space critical infrastructure, AI and visual storytelling. Cisco’s Terry Weber provided the Vote of Thanks to an audience of 250 business and government leaders, and was published in the 2024 Annual CEO Leaders Survey.

Research Milestones

Trust Trends Report Launch

The Cisco Chair in Trusted Retail Dr Nadine Ostern, and her research team from the Centre for Future Enterprise, released its inaugural Trust Trends Report: Consumer Perspectives on Retail Technology in Australia, with Coles Liquor joining the panel at the industry launch event.

APRA CPS230 Digital Compliance Research

ICB commenced the APRA CPS230 Digital Compliance research project, led by QUT’s Faculty of Business and Law’s Professor Anna Huggins, Professor Mark Burdon, PhD Candidate Imogen Foster and with international academic collaboration by Professor Lizzy Coles-Kemp.

The project explores how observability technology enhances business resilience and compliance in the financial sector.

NIIN Health Alliance and Study Tour

QUT’s Professor Steve McPhail, Director of the Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Director of the Centre for Healthcare Transformation, and Professor of Health Services Research joined the NIIN Health Alliance. Together with ICB Director, Gemma Alker, they participated in the Health Alliance Study Tour in Singapore. This study tour fosters global collaboration in healthcare innovation.

ICB Ecosystem

Connected Partnerships

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

Innovation Central Brisbane (ICB) thrives on the strength of its connected partnerships with industry leaders, government, and academia. At the heart of ICB’s ecosystem is the Founding Partners Cisco and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Together, they propel ICB’s mission to accelerate digital skills, innovation, and impactful solutions addressing the important innovation challenges of Australia.

This year ICB has fostered an engaged and active innovation ecosystem propelled by its community of strategic anchor partners; classroom and project partners; and members within its Sport Innovation Community of Influence.

ICB’s Strategic Partners include:

Rivernet Communications: Anchoring initiatives in digital skills development and future talent pipelines, with a focus on Digita Health.
NTT DATA: Advancing sports innovation, graduate placements, and leadership programs for women.
Industry Fellow Nicole Hatherly: Driving the Digital Skills for Impact and Influence and Women in Technology Leadership Development Programs

Additionally as a proud member of Cisco’s National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN), ICB connects its state-based innovation efforts with an Australia-wide partner network of Innovation Centrals, leveraging shared expertise and scaling impactful projects across universities and industry.

Connected partnerships are the foundation of ICB’s momentum. Built on trusted and mutually-beneficial relationships, these partnerships enable the acceleration of digital skills, exploration of innovation strategies, and the creation of a thriving ICB Innovation Community who together are shaping a vibrant future for Queensland and Australia.

This ecosystem will continue to grow as ICB welcomes new partners and collaborators.

ICB Strategic Horizons

Horizon 1

Building on the solid momentum generated over the past two years, the focus next phase is to scale ICB regionally across the NIIN and into Asia-Pacific Japan and China (APJC).
The Major Initiatives to help us achieve that include:

Scale ICB engagement regionally across APJC

1 Grow Student Innovation Programs

2 NIIN roll out of Digital Skills for Impact and Influence Program

3 Partner with QUT Sport to Build Sport Innovation Community

4 Drive Impact of Anchor Partnerships

Expand Applied Research Innovation Initiatives

1 APRA CPS230 Digital Compliance for Financial Services

2 Aviation Innovation
Community of Influence

3 Cisco Chair in Trusted Retail TX Series Return

4 Cyber Security Microcredential

Elevate ICB Activation
on Campus

1 Co-Design and Feature Demonstrations

2 Advance fitout of
Cisco Technology

3 Create additional
collaboration spaces

Annual Report 2024