La Trobe x Cisco AI City Modernisation Innovation Sprint

Drive the future of AI city modernisation in India.

La Trobe University, in collaboration with Cisco and the Australian High Commission (AusTrade), is bringing a two-day innovation sprint event to New Delhi - focused on tackling real-world urban challenges through the power of AI.

Working in multidisciplinary teams, you will develop practical, data-driven solutions for disaster management in rapidly evolving city environments. The program explores how AI technologies - such as machine learning, spatial analytics, and predictive modelling - can enhance mobility, strengthen public safety, improve urban services, and support sustainable city planning.

By the end of the sprint, teams will develop high-impact, AI-enabled concepts along with actionable pathways for pilot implementation across India’s growing network of cities.

This event is open to La Trobe alumni (graduated within the past three years in Urban Planning, Engineering, Data Science, Design, or Business) and current students from IIT Kanpur, IIIT Delhi, BITS Pilani, Chandigarh University, Lovely Professional University, and SRM Delhi NCR, among other Indian institutions.

No prior experience is required - just curiosity, collaboration, and a drive to create meaningful urban impact.

Program details

Date: Wednesday 22 July and Thursday 23 July 2026
Time: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm (IST)
Format: In-person
Dress Code: Business casual

Venue: Australian High Commission (New Delhi - India) 1/50 G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India.

Apply Now

Applications close: Sunday 31 May at 11:45pm IST / 4:15am AEST

Why Participate?

Take part in a free, hands-on experience to build your professional skills while solving real-world urban challenges using AI. By joining this sprint, you will:

Develop new skills: Strengthen your practical skills in design thinking, AI application to urban challenges, prototyping, and pitching.
Teamwork and collaboration: Work with like-minded peers from diverse disciplines to build your teamwork and leadership skills in a supportive environment.
Connect with industry leaders: Engage with Cisco experts, policymakers, and investors, and gain access to mentoring opportunities.
Create real-world impact: Co-design scalable solutions, identify incubation opportunities, and strengthen Australia-India innovation collaboration.

This event is open to:

Recent La Trobe University graduates (within the past three years) in Urban Planning, Engineering, Data Science, Design, and Business.

Current students from IIT Kanpur, IIIT Delhi, BITS Pilani, Chandigarh University, Lovely Professional University, SRM Delhi NCR

Program Structure

Over two days of the sprint, plus two online informative sessions, you will explore topics like machine learning, spatial analytics, and predictive modeling to improve mobility and transport, urban services, public safety, and urban planning.

Information Session One (Online)

Wednesday 24 June
Topic: Overview of Artificial Intelligence

Information Session Two (Online)

Wednesday 8 July
Topic: Smart Cities & Their Approach

Day One

Wednesday 22 July:

Welcome and Keynotes
Challenge framing, policy briefing from the Smart Cities mission
Team formation
Design thinking workshops (stakeholder and data mapping)
Mentoring sessions.

Day Two

Thursday 23 July:

Ideate solutions
Develop prototypes and test ideas with stakeholders
Pitch coaching
Final pitches to judges, with awards and potential pilot pathways.

FAQs

Yes, catering is provided during program hours only. Please note that meals outside of program hours are not included, we encourage applicants to plan accordingly.

Student Teams

University student teams - for example, a team from IIT Kanpur - will travel together to New Delhi
La Trobe University will cover the cost of return travel for university student teams, whether they travel by flight, bus, or train
Student teams must arrange and pay for their own accommodation, as accommodation is not subsidised.

Alumni Participants

La Trobe alumni participants are required to cover their own travel expenses to and from New Delhi
Alumni participants must also arrange and pay for their own accommodation, as accommodation is not subsidised.

No. This event is completely free for all selected participants.

Innovation Sprint partners

More information

For further details, connect with:

Shannon Ryan
Program Manager, Entrepreneurship
La Trobe University
E shannon.ryan@latrobe.edu.au
M 0438 401 257

Amit Malhotra
Senior Regional Director, South Asia and Africa Global and Regional, Recruitment and International Operations
La Trobe University (New Delhi, India)
E a.malhotra@latrobe.edu.au
M +91 98733 92233