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RMIT University says it has entered a new three-year agreement with NBN Co aimed at advancing research and innovation to support Australia’s future digital infrastructure.
According to RMIT, the partnership – known as ASTRID (Advancing STEM, Technology, Research, Innovation and Deployment) – will establish a Broadband Technology Research Unit and give NBN Co access to RMIT academic staff, students and postdoctoral researchers.
The university said the collaboration will focus on projects including the development of a digital twin capacity to model the nbn network and support NBN Co’s artificial intelligence and robotics programs.
NBN Co Chief Technology Officer Guy Scott said the agreement reflects an ongoing relationship between the organisation and the university.
“NBN Co and RMIT are close collaborative partners, and we’ve achieved some great research outcomes so far,” Scott said.“Through this exciting new ASTRID agreement, we expect to take things to a whole new level.”
Scott said the digital twin work would help the company plan for future network needs. “The Digital Twin will be a powerful tool for modelling the nbn network and our services over the next decade and beyond,” he said, adding that it would support forecasting and decision-making related to cost design, network performance and resilience.
“This is crucially important for NBN Co as we continue to optimise and maximise the performance and resilience of the nbn network.”
RMIT said the partnership will also create career pathways for graduates, including opportunities for women in STEM fields.
RMIT Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, said joining the ASTRID program marked an important milestone for the university.
“RMIT is proud to be the first university in Victoria, and only the second in Australia, to partner with NBN Co through the ASTRID program,” Drummond said.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing research and development within critical fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital twins.”
Drummond said the collaboration would build on existing work between the organisations.
“By combining RMIT’s strengths across research and skills development, this partnership enhances our ability to deliver world-class learning experiences, deepens our relationships with industry, and informs national priorities,” he said.
“Together we are working to make Australia’s digital infrastructure smarter, more accessible, and more resilient.”
RMIT stated that the agreement also includes the creation of a strategic technology advisor role, co-funding opportunities with national agencies, and the development of international partnerships and exchange programs.
