Plans afoot for R&D leap with proposed RMIT innovation hub

Sri Lanka is exploring the establishment of a Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) Innovation Hub to strengthen research and development (R&D) collaboration and drive commercialisation of innovative solutions, the Presidential Media Division (PMD) said.

A discussion was held this week at the Presidential Secretariat between RMIT officials and representatives from the Presidential Secretariat, in coordination with the National Initiative for Research and Development Commercialization (NIRDC). The proposed hub aims to enhance existing joint PhD programmes, integrate international R&D expertise with local research, and create opportunities to tackle national challenges in line with Sri Lanka’s research policies and priorities. Outcomes from the initiative are expected to be shared publicly.

The Innovation Hub is expected to: expand collaboration between RMIT, Sri Lankan universities, industries, and government institutions; provide technological solutions to support business objectives and innovation commercialisation; offer international training opportunities to local scientists, researchers, and students; and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic, scientific, and technological advancement through new investments, funding, and research projects.

Participants included Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russell Aponso, RMIT University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Professor Calum Drummond, STEM College Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Professor Sujeewa Sethunga, NIRDC Director General Dr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, Director (Investment) Indunil Gunathilaka, and other officials.