The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) has partnered with global tech giant Siemens to give students and researchers access to the same AI-enabled digital twin and simulation software used by some of the world’s most innovative organisations, including Oracle Red Bull Racing, NASA, the United States Navy and Ducati.

The partnership gives UniSC students hands-on access to the same engineering and AI tools used by leading organisations around the world, helping prepare them for careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering and technology.

Through a grant, the partnership will support UniSC’s focus on helping South East Queensland become a leading centre for innovation, driven by rapid design, prototyping and advanced digital technologies.

UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, welcomed the grant, saying collaboration between industry and academia was critical to strengthening local innovation and supporting international growth.

“At UniSC, we are committed to providing our students with learning experiences that are directly connected to industry and the real world,” Professor Bartlett said.

“Our recent investment into our high-tech labs is testament to our commitment to serving as a launchpad for innovation that supports economic growth.

“Industry partners are critical to achieving this.

“This grant from Siemens gives our students access to the same tools that leading manufacturers and engineering firms rely on every day.

“It strengthens our ability to produce graduates who are not only workforce-ready but future-ready, capable of stepping into roles that are driving Queensland's advanced manufacturing growth and contributing to globally significant projects.

“We are proud to partner with Siemens to help build the skilled workforce that Queensland needs.” 

Speaking on the announcement, Samantha Murray, head of Siemens Digital Industries Software in the region said:

“Queensland is proving that you don't need to be in a traditional manufacturing heartland to compete worldwide, you just need the right talent and technology that can help scale ideas globally.

“Companies like HeliMods, Gilmour Space, and Hypersonix are already showing the world what's possible from Queensland when ambition meets industry-leading technology.

“Technology that’s future-ready and combined with a single digital thread that makes it more accessible than ever across geographies.”

“This grant to UniSC is about helping to ensure the next wave of engineers and innovators graduate with experience in the same software that is powering global success stories.

“For Siemens, this is an investment in the people who will shape the future of Queensland and beyond.

“It is about giving talent access to future ready tools such as AI-enabled simulation and design to solve the problems of tomorrow."

The grant includes Siemens’ Designcenter™ software and Tecnomatix® software, which is also used by organisations delivering globally significant projects, including Sunshine Coast-based HeliMods, Space Machines Company, Emirates Team New Zealand, Australian Submarine Company (ASC) and Rocket Lab.

Students will gain experience in how industrial-grade AI is used in modern engineering environments to improve productivity and streamline complex processes.

Peter Halliday, CEO of Siemens Australia and New Zealand said:

“Our technology is behind every major transformation – from connecting Australia to the world with the Overland Telegraph in 1872 through industrial and energy transformations and now automation, digitalisation and industrial AI.

“Industry needs to lean in and work closely with key educators to make sure future generations have the tools and skills to address our greatest challenges and transform the world from Australia.”

The grant also includes industry-leading Capital™ software for electrical systems design used in aerospace, automotive, defence and other sectors that require complex electrical systems integrated into product and manufacturing design.

Through digital twin technology and associated software platforms, students will gain hands-on experience with engineering and manufacturing tools including Designcenter, Capital and Tecnomatix.

Students will develop practical skills in design, simulation, manufacturing planning and execution while using AI-assisted capabilities such as Microsoft Copilot integration.

The software can help automate parts of key workflows, including bill of materials creation, manufacturing planning, block definition and simulation activities.