ACS last night opened its new technology and innovation hub in Melbourne’s Docklands to a huge throng of industry specialists, government representatives and esteemed guests.

The hub, based at 839 Collins Street and covering more than 2,000 square metres of digitally-enabled floorspace, was officially launched on Thursday night by ACS president and former cricket umpire Yohan Ramasundara and the Victorian government’s parliamentary secretary for jobs, Jane Garrett.

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It has been purpose-built to drive the development of digital communities and has a distinct Silicon Valley feel, featuring private workspaces, high-tech meeting rooms, large screens, an interactive media wall and Connect Four.

A view of ACS’ new technology and innovation hub. Pic: ACS

CEO Andrew Johnson last night told Stockhead ACS envisaged the space to be a melting pot for Melbourne’s technology and innovation sectors.

“Our belief is that digital precincts are the future,” he said. “You get people working together and you expedite your growth quicker.

“This hub will put a lot of talented tech people in the same area, with plenty of foot traffic, and gives space for collaboration to explore some of the big challenges of our time.

“It’s a place to call home for Melbourne’s technology and innovation community and we’re really excited to launch it.”

There was certainly a buzz in the air on the night, with plenty of chatter about the possibility of tech professionals and businesses can come together and tackle some of the nation’s pressing technology challenges, such as cyber security, personal privacy and artificial intelligence.

Ramasundara said that was a testament to Victoria’s “vibrant technology scene”.

“The opening of our Melbourne hub is also part of ACS’ commitment of being a catalyst for human capital development while helping the creation and adoption of emerging technologies,” he said.

“Our strategic plan focuses on three C’s – capacity, capability and catalyst – where capacity and capability are about ensuring our nation has sufficient and necessary tech skills to achieve an economy higher up the value chain, and one which affords higher paying jobs” 

The hub’s facilities are available to ACS members along with industry and government partners. It will house over 150 tech professionals, and along with over 50 trades employed during the fit out, brings 200 jobs for Victoria.

It is set to be a boon for Australia’s flourishing tech industry, and should excite investors. The ASX offers exposure to around 230 small cap tech stocks that you can invest in right now.

This story was developed in collaboration with ACS, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This story does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.