Solving real-world challenges in collaboration
Industry Students Research Technology Innovation
Accelerating innovation through collaboration
Innovation Central Brisbane (ICB) is a cutting-edge university-industry collaboration, advancing digital transformation through an open innovation ecosystem and research hub.
Led in partnership by QUT and Cisco, ICB connects industry with students, graduates and researchers to design, develop and scale technology solutions to address real-world challenges in the retail and logistics sectors.
QUT and Cisco
QUT and Cisco have formed an exclusive partnership in Queensland that will provide world-leading, emergent solutions, skills and new business opportunities. This research partnership forms part of Cisco’s $61 million digital acceleration investment in Australia.
QUT joins a global network of innovation research partners throughout Australia and around the world, with ICB forming part of the National Industry Innovation Network.
Our Australian partners include the University of New South Wales, Curtin University, La Trobe University and Flinders University.
This cutting-edge industry and research collaboration brings global industry partners together with leading researchers and student talent, resulting in ground-breaking innovations.
Trusted Retail and Logistics
As part of QUT and Cisco’s partnership, Cisco has invested $900,000 over three years into a global research program led by the Chair in Trusted Retail and Logistics.
The research will explore trusted retail and logistics innovation, designing new trust management strategies and business models for industry.
It will also connect industry with student talent, esteemed QUT alumni and university researchers who will collaboratively design, develop and scale technology solutions to address real-world challenges in the retail and logistics industry. Read the Trusted Retail Innovation White Paper.
Our facilities
QUT is the only Queensland university and one of five in Australia to establish a Cisco-funded innovation centre.
Spanning 100sqm, the ICB at QUT’s Gardens Point Campus features state-of-the-art technology, a maker-space, hybrid board meeting zones, co-working spaces, and a showcase of the latest market retail and logistics technology solutions.
Create daring solutions to real-world problems
Connect with industry experts, leading researchers, and student talent to collaborate, build and test proof of concepts and rapid prototypes.
QUT’s specialised test site allows users to experiment and learn about new technologies in a non-operational setting. Designed to contain and manage risk, users can scale technology solutions and address real-world challenges in a safe and secure environment.
What we offer
- University research expertise
- Access to Cisco engineers
- Student talent
- Global network of industry leaders
- QUT Campus Hub and test site
- Prototype equipment
What you can expect
ICB members
ICB provides members with essential services to bring their brilliant ideas, concepts and innovations to life.
As an ICB member you will be able to build a talent pipeline, conduct short-term research with quick ROI, join a global network of innovators, access QUT’s collaborative platform, build and test prototypes, and advance research commercialisation.
Students
QUT students* can expect to gain real-world industry experience, new relevant digital skills, access to a global network and paid work opportunities.
(*-Business, IT, STEM, Design final year undergraduates, recent graduates, postgraduates, and PhD students)
Why partner with ICB?
ICB connects you to world-class facilities and a collaborative community of students, researchers, global industry partners, household brand names, government and entrepreneurial leaders.
The centre serves as a living laboratory where new technologies are tested and developed, innovative programs are incubated and new businesses are created.
Digital skills, jobs and commercialisation will be progressed through the development of original and inventive solutions utilising design methodology, concept testing and prototype development.
Innovation Central Brisbane membership

Contact us
For information on how to partner with Innovation Central Brisbane, please contact:


Innovation Central Brisbane is part of a network of global Innovation Central Centres.