The University’s Computational Media Innovation Centre (CMIC) plans to join forces with these thriving industries to foster cutting-edge innovation and collaboration from its new premises in the heart of Wellington.

Founded in late 2017, and initially based at the University’s Kelburn campus, CMIC has won numerous accolades, including a KiwiNet Research Innovation Award. It has also had a presence at leading industry events such as the international SIGGRAPH conference for computer graphics and facilitated the launch of start-up DreamFlux to bring innovative mixed-reality technology to the world.

The Centre’s move to custom-designed premises on Wellington’s Courtenay Place in April will help grow these connections and achievements, says dean of engineering Professor Dale Carnegie.

“We’re thrilled with this location and what the new facilities will allow us to achieve,” says Dale. “Being in the heart of the city reflects our need to work more closely with industry and our desire to harness that spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that is so uniquely Wellington.”

The central city location will make it easier for staff and students to connect face-to-face with industry, while the spaces and latest technologies available inside the CMIC offices support groups of all shapes and sizes to innovate in the tech and digital spaces.

With extensive backgrounds in the entertainment and ICT sectors, CMIC co-directors Professor Ken Anjyo and Associate Professor Taehyun Rhee, and prototyping lead Meredith Meyer-Nichols bring local and international industry connections to CMIC. They hope these new premises will attract even more local and international talent to the University.

“CMIC will help strengthen industry–academia collaborations both in New Zealand and around the world,” says Ken.