InEight joins a host of thought leaders and innovators in calling Melbourne Connect home including the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, interdisciplinary groups, and industry partners.

Designed by architect Woods Bagot, the workspace was created to foster a culture of collaboration by bringing together industry innovators and subject matter experts via the University’s interdisciplinary expertise.

“Working alongside other world-class technology businesses, engineering research firms, tech start-ups, and higher degree students in the engineering and data application environment, our team members are sure to be inspired every day. I have every expectation this move will be a further catalyst for innovation and purposeful partnerships,” Bryant says.

Melbourne Connect executive director professor Eduard Hovey says the addition of InEight to the innovation precinct will make a contribution to Melbourne’s tech and research scene.

“InEight’s commitment to investment in education, research and development and advancement in smart technology, make them an ideal fit for the precinct,” Hovey says.

With a Melbourne Connect membership, Bryant believes InEight will continue to push the boundaries of how projects can be managed and delivered.

“The growing appetite for digital transformation across Australia and the Asia Pacific region will continue to fuel the evolution of the construction sector in 2022 and beyond,” says Bryant.

“The adoption of smart technology and data will be critical in facilitating a more collaborative approach, reducing inefficiencies and risk with digital data and processes, building skill sets to fill the talent pipeline, and delivering stronger project outcomes. Being part of a community focused on innovation and knowledge sharing presents an unparalleled opportunity to drive innovation in the construction sector.”

Creating an accommodating environment that fosters the working practices of the InEight team was a crucial consideration, it says.

Flexible and collaborative spaces, as well as quiet and break areas were detailed in the design brief.

“While we have moved globally to a flexible workplace policy, we still wanted to create a place where our community, teams, clients, industry partners and collaborators can come together,” concludes Bryant.