Innovation Central Adelaide - Flinders University

Innovation Central Adelaide (ICA)

ICA is an industry and research collaboration program, established to advance digital transformation and develop technology-driven knowledge through an open innovation ecosystem, in partnership with business, government, and the service sector.

ICA meets real world challenges for business, government, and the service sector with expert research and innovation across multiple domains. It creates knowledge communities that leverage the benefit of digital technologies for economic and societal impact. Projects that deliver real outcomes are nurtured through close collaborations and supported by access to world class facilities.

Our strategic focus

Who We Are

Innovation Central Adelaide (ICA) is a Cisco-funded innovation centre located at the heart of the Tonsley Innovation District. We bring together students, researchers, and industry partners to co-design solutions that address real-world challenges and accelerate digital transformation across South Australia and beyond.

As part of the National Industry Innovation Network, ICA plays a strategic role in advancing Australia’s innovation capability, connecting local talent with national priorities and global technology leaders.

Cisco-funded innovation centre
Located at Tonsley Innovation District
Member of the National Industry Innovation Network

Explore Our Capabilities

From South Australia to national and international partners, ICA operates within a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration.

Our Strategic Focus

Innovation Ecosystem

We connect students, researchers, and industry to solve real-world challenges through collaborative innovation.

Industry-led projects
Cross-disciplinary collaboration
Concept development and prototyping
Open innovation model

Technology Focus

We work at the intersection of emerging technologies and applied research to drive digital transformation.

AI and machine learning
Cybersecurity and privacy
IoT and smart systems
Advanced manufacturing and digital twins

Student Impact

We empower students with hands-on experience, mentorship, and pathways into industry.

Student-led projects
Industry mentoring
Career-ready skills
Innovation challenges

National Network

We’re part of a national movement to accelerate innovation through university-industry collaboration.

National Industry Innovation Network
Cisco partnership
One of six national hubs
Strategic alignment with digital capability priorities

Explore our collaborative model

Discover our tech capabilities

See how students our thrive

Learn about our national reach

Projects & Partnerships

To tackle challenges as complex as digital health and smart resource management, and as essential as secure devices and community wellbeing, we need to work together.

At Innovation Central Adelaide we collaborate with industry leaders, government agencies, and community organisations to deliver practical solutions that make a real impact. We are technologists, researchers, communicators, and innovators. We are strategic thinkers and hands‑on problem solvers. We are creative and we are practical.

What unites us is a shared commitment to shaping South Australia’s future through innovation. Breakthroughs alone are not enough—we must also address social, economic, and policy challenges. That’s why our foundation partners, Cisco and Flinders University, and our wider network of collaborators are essential. Together, we build partnerships that drive change, foster collaboration, and deliver solutions that matter.

Case Studies

^{Cisco recognises the importance of collaborative innovation with partners, which is why it’s key in its strategic direction. By forging strong partnerships and embracing innovation as a continuous business practice, Cisco harnesses the power of its partners and technology to create new and unprecedented experiences.}

Student Programs

Innovation Central Adelaide (ICA) offers hands-on internship opportunities for Flinders University students to apply their skills to real-world industry projects. Working alongside academic experts and industry professionals, research interns gain valuable experience, expand their professional networks, and contribute to meaningful solutions across various sectors.

Expressions of Interest open periodically—contact us to learn more.

Join Us

Work With Us

Innovation Central Adelaide (ICA) partners with industry, government, and community organisations to accelerate digital transformation and deliver practical solutions. By engaging with ICA, you gain access to cutting-edge expertise, collaborative project opportunities, and pathways to innovation that make a real impact.

As part of the National Industry Innovation Network, ICA provides a platform where local and global partners can co-design, test, and scale solutions that address today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Partner with ICA

Collaborative Projects – Work alongside researchers and students to prototype and deliver new solutions
Industry Partnerships – Access ICA’s expertise in IoT, AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing
Innovation Pathways – Explore opportunities to pilot, test, and scale digital technologies
Strategic Engagement – Connect with national priorities and global technology leaders

Have a question?

If you would like to scope a potential project, engage with us as a student, or otherwise find out more about Innovation Central Adelaide; please reach us below and we'll respond as soon as possible!

Get in contact