La Trobe University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding twith Indian ICT company, HCL Technologies o collaborate in research, development and commercialisation activities. The collaboration will focus on research and development for Intelligent Transport Systems.

 

The MoU signing in New Delhi followed bilateral education meeting that was attended by Indian and Victorian government leaders, university Vice-Chancellors, TAFE Institutes and leading education providers.

 

La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor John Dewar, said as well as recognising La Trobe's key role in leading-edge ICT research, HCL Technologies would also provide opportunities for La Trobe University students to undertake internships on community and government ICT projects.

 

"HCL will recruit graduates from La Trobe University who, after completion of training, will be allocated to projects in Victoria, or at other HCL locations globally," Professor Dewar said.

 

La Trobe Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Tim Brown, said the agreement was built on high-quality research and technology developed at La Trobe's Centre for Technology Infusion.

 

"This technology is currently being trialled in Victoria and promises to be of great benefit to driving safety and traffic management, with the added potential of creating export markets for Australian innovation," Professor Brown said.

 

Ravi Bhatia, Chairman – Customer Advisory Board HCL Australia, said HCL was delighted to have signed the partnership with La Trobe University.

 

"We look forward to continuing our conversation on how HCL can extend its expertise to some of Victoria's finest young minds, which in turn will play an important role in improving Victoria's transport infrastructure," Mr Bhatia said.

 

"This partnership underscores our commitment to developing local talent in Australia and to delivering innovative ideas to achieve further efficiencies for our clients," Mr Bhatia said.

 

Using innovative ICT, the Co-operative Intelligent Transport Systems project will look at problems associated with traffic management, infrastructure management and security, enhanced driver safety and logistics support for transport operations.

 

Expected outcomes of the project include improved traffic flow for commuters, better transport information for city planners, increased productivity of businesses, reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and better quality of life for citizens.