Dimension Data and Deakin join cyber fight

Dimension Data and Deakin University will open a cybersecurity incubator at the university’s Waurn Ponds campus in order to accelerate the development of unique cybersecurity solutions and intellectual property.

Bolstered by funding from the Victorian Government’s LaunchVic start-up initiative announced earlier this week, the project also addresses the skills shortage in the Australian cybersecurity industry.

“Dimension Data and Deakin University have been working closely for years, with Dimension Data providing student scholarships as well as being a key technology partner of the university,” said Duncan Brown, director of services, Dimension Data Australia.

“More recently our shared passion for fostering collaboration to drive real outcomes in today’s digital economy, and our collective expertise, led us to realise that together we could enable a step change for cybersecurity in Australia.”

With the demand for computer security experts expected to grow by more than 20% over the next five years, the partners believe a collaborative approach among industry, government and universities is the best way to meet this potential shortfall and build critical national cyber resilience.

“The federal government’s own Cyber Security Strategy has said it is imperative for Australia that we train more cybersecurity professionals if we are to succeed in the connected world,” said Brown.

“The grant from the Victorian Government will be fundamental in helping us to establish the incubator and achieve our objectives.”

Professor Peter Hodgson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Deakin University, said Dimension Data had become a key partner to Deakin University in developing both teaching and work-integrated learning placements, and was now taking the next step to develop a unique platform for collaboration and entrepreneurship.

“Our partnership with Dimension Data is really important as we can obtain direct knowledge of the needs of industry and quickly tailor our research to match these,” Professor Hodgson said.

“To be effective and make the leap across the so-called valley of death, start-ups need strong mentoring from those who have done it. This partnership with Dimension Data provides this support as well as a focus for our students and staff.”

On Monday the Victorian Government unveiled the first round allocation of $6.5 million in grants from the LaunchVic start-up initiative, which included funding for 18 projects.

“We want Victoria to be the location of choice for start-ups worldwide and LaunchVic is making it happen. These projects will help young companies and ideas to create jobs and industries that will support Victoria for decades to come,” said Philip Dalidakis, Victoria’s Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade.

Dimension Data will provide access to cybersecurity professionals, a cloud-based development platform and go-to-market business expertise for start-ups and new projects within the incubator. Deakin University will provide facilities and make its research available to the start-ups.

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