ARMIDALE’S leader of innovation ICT International is reaping the rewards of a partnership with the University of New England.
Regional Development Australia Northern Inland and Trade & Investment NSW facilitated a project to bring innovative minds from the two organisations together.
It means enhanced service delivery for the high-tech exporter and the chance for current and recently graduated university students to apply their information technology skills to a real-world application.
Academics believe such collaborations will add to the appeal of UNE to prospective students.
“This is all about building the digital economy in Armidale and across Northern Inland NSW,” RDANI executive officer Nathan Axelsson said.
“Our region needs to move forward hand-in-hand. Collaborative partnerships not only yield top results, they are just common sense.”
ICT International essentially involves scientists creating precision moisture measuring or thermal efficiency monitoring and associated remote data-logging equipment for fellow scientists, generally for important environmental projects.
Headed by Susan and Peter Cull, ICT International exports to 45 countries each year.
Staffing levels have grown from six to 21 people in the past four years.
“It was great to produce a better service for our customers, while giving IT students a chance to apply theory to practice,” Dr Cull said.
“This small application can make a big difference and we have already passed it onto a client for trialing.”
