JCU Connect – Partnering Industry with Possibility
With more than 25 years of experience in the support and development of innovative research and committed to creating links between industry and university expertise, Rochelle Finlay is leading the team behind JCU Connect, James Cook University’s research and development directorate.
Research and development partnerships between universities and industry have unlimited potential.
Collaboration allows research to have impact in industries where it is needed the most.
James Cook University (JCU) has launched JCU Connect, the door to access its world-class expertise uniquely positioned in the tropics.
JCU Connect provides a one-stop-shop for industry and government to collaborate with the University, connect with its researchers and access its infrastructure and facilities across its campuses in Australia and Singapore.
JCU has a long history of working in partnership with industry with more than 500 active research and development partnerships. Through JCU Connect, the University plans to double this number within three years.
JCU Connect Director, Rochelle Finlay leads the JCU Connect team in Townsville and Cairns, with plans underway to launch at JCU’s Singapore Campus late 2019.
JCU Connect Director, Rochelle Finlay said not only does the team provide support internally to JCU researchers, but is actively seeking industry partners to forge long-term mutually beneficial relationships.
“We have an established, capable and dedicated Development and Commercialisation team based in Townsville and Cairns,” Ms Finlay said.
Businesses are encouraged to contact the JCU Connect team to discuss research and development partnership and collaboration opportunities with JCU.
Mars Australia and JCU: A sustainable partnership
Mars Australia and JCU have established an agreement to support coral reef restoration opportunities for the Great Barrier Reef, cocoa pollination and next generation productivity techniques to assist small farming communities based in the tropics. A first of its kind in Australia for Mars, the project will see teams co-locate and collaborate at JCU’s Cairns Campus and in Mars’ research sites and other locations across Indonesia.
Smart Cities
JCU together with Cairns Regional Council are using leading-edge smart technology to improve stormwater infrastructure to ensure urban water run-off is not harming the Great Barrier Reef. The real-time data collected will allow Council to measure the efficiency of environmental programs and set benchmarks for Australia and the world to better manage urban and rural catchments along the reef.
Pacific Bio
Pacific Bio has worked closely with James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville to develop proprietary know-how in harnessing nature to clean water and grow sustainable sources of nutrition for plants, animals and humans. The bulk of Pacific Bio’s work is done in northern Queensland bordering the Great Barrier Reef where production and farming facilities as well as the Research and Development team are located.
JCU to become the centre of innovation for the tropics
JCU Connect is a part of the division of Research and Innovation and is a core component of the University’s overarching strategy.
JCU is committed to building and supporting a vibrant innovation ecosystem, which expands on existing activities and innovation initiatives and deepens the University’s relationships with regional, national and international innovation partners.
The Technology Innovation Complex (Townsville) and Cairns Innovation Centre will operate as a focal point for industry and research collaboration as well as nurture great ideas. Construction of the Cairns Innovation Centre will begin this year and is expected to be completed by Semester Two 2020.
How can the JCU Connect team help your business?
We provide:
• Support for research and development partnerships.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure.
• Access to government grants and tenders to support projects and problem solving.
• Assistance with innovative thinking and the commercialisation of great ideas.
• The platform to recruit talented postgraduate researchers.
Collaborate 2019 – Townsville’s first University and Industry Partnerships Conference
JCU Connect together with AusIndustry will bring the first University and Industry Partnerships Conference to Townsville. The half-day conference will be held on 20 June at The Ville Resort–Casino and will feature key representatives from local businesses, JCU researchers and partnerships experts who will present the benefits, challenges and opportunities of partnering with universities – a must for any business or government organisation considering or interested in collaborating with JCU.
Cost: $40–$60
Includes morning tea, networking lunch and half-day conference.
Purchase tickets at www.jcuconnect.com
p. (07) 4781 5011
e. jcuconnect@jcu.edu.au
