La Trobe on government trade mission to India (Issue 6, 2012)
La Trobe University has signed an agreement in India with leading multinational company, HCL Technologies, to collaborate on research and development of Intelligent Transport Systems.
The project deals with traffic and infrastructure management, security, enhanced driver safety and logistics support for transport operations. Details of the project were announced on 21 February by Premier Ted Baillieu while leading a Victorian trade mission to India.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Dewar, who accompanied the Premier, said the project is based on cutting-edge Information and Communications Technology (ICT) developed by staff and higher degree students at La Trobe’s Centre for Technology Infusion led by Professor Jugdutt (Jack) Singh on the Melbourne campus.
This was already being trialed in Victoria, part of a A$5.5m rail crossing safety project involving 100 vehicles fitted with special wireless communications systems.
Professor Dewar described the venture as an exciting development for Victoria’s research and high-tech development sector in general, and the University in particular, by recognising La Trobe’s key role in such leading-edge ICT research.
Expected outcomes of the venture include improved traffic flow for commuters, fewer road accidents, better transport information for city planners, increased productivity for business, and reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
It promises to be of great benefit not only for driving safety and traffic management, but has the potential of creating export markets for Australian innovation, he added.
Professor Dewar said HCL Technologies will also provide opportunities for students to undertake internships on community and government ICT projects. The company will recruit graduates from La Trobe who, after completion of training, will be allocated to projects in Victoria, or at other HCL locations globally.
La Trobe University also signed a higher education exchange and co-operation agreement for research and teaching with the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, in Pilani, Rajasthan.
The Victorian Government’s trade mission to India is showcasing the best of Victorian industry capability in key centres including Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune.
