NBN Co has announced two research and development collaborations with the University of Melbourne (UoM) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). The three-year relationships will focus on a range of technologies including robotics, internet-of-things, technology for social good, programmable networks, data analytics and visualisation for customer experience, artificial intelligence, wireless technologies and smart cities. Each of these focus areas align under the goal of “collaboration to adapt new ideas and translate innovation into a commercial reality” the company said in a statement today. “These two new relationships will help NBN Co double down on our strong focus on technology innovation for customer experience and operational excellence. With these innovative institutions – UoM and UTS – we saw a natural fit in helping NBN Co further enable the digital economy,” said Dr Ray Owen, chief technology officer at NBN. “We are committed to supporting the higher-education sector and are excited about scoping out the opportunities for RD in the coming months,” he added. As well as RD the agreements will cover additional opportunities for collaboration such as post-doctoral research opportunities and student exchanges. The universities are set to benefit from NBN Co’s substantial technical resources and gain access to real-world telecoms network operational data. “We are delighted to be working with NBN Coto undertake innovative research that shapes our connected future.The relationship, driven by the University of Melbourne’s Networked Society Institute, connects NBN Co to the outstanding research talent of the University,” said Professor Mark Hargreaves, pro-vice chancellor of research collaboration and partnerships at the University of Melbourne. “We are excited to see our researchers and students work closely with NBN Co to create positive social and economic impact,” he added. Professor Ian Burnett, dean of the faculty of engineering and IT at UTS, said: “This collaborative relationship with NBN Co significantly grows our engagement in innovative, digital transformation for the whole country.” Earlier this month NBN’s chief executive, Bill Morrow, announced he will depart the organisation by the end of 2018. “I believe that as the company prepares to confront the new challenges ahead, this is the right time to hand over the reins for the next phase of this incredible project and for me to plan for the next step in my career,” Morrow said in a statement. Related content how-to How to create an effective business continuity plan A business continuity plan outlines procedures and instructions an organization must follow in the face of disaster, whether fire, flood, or cyberattack. Here’s how to create a plan that gives your business the best chance of surviving such an By Mary K. Pratt, Ed Tittel, Kim Lindros Dec 07, 2023 11 mins Small and Medium Business Small and Medium Business Small and Medium Business interview WestRock CIDO Amir Kazmi on building resiliency Multidimensional resiliency is vital to setting yourself, your teams, and your organization up for success. Kazmi sets the tone at WestRock by recognizing the pace of change, instilling a learning and growth mindset, and being transparent with his te By Dan Roberts Dec 07, 2023 8 mins IT Strategy Staff Management IT Leadership brandpost Sponsored by FPT Software Time for New Partnership Paradigms to Be Future-fit By Veronica Lew Dec 06, 2023 5 mins Vendors and Providers brandpost Sponsored by BMC Why CIOs should prioritize AIOps in 2024 AIOps empowers IT to manage services by incorporating AI/ML into operations. By Jeff Miller Dec 06, 2023 3 mins IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe