GIFT City students take on Australia with the Experience Program
Our first cohort of Deakin GIFT City students has just completed a 10-day industry immersion and study experience in Australia. Across Melbourne and Geelong they explored advanced labs, visited landmark destinations and connected with industry leaders. From hands-on AR and VR sessions to the city’s most famous sights, the trip offered a front row seat to innovation in action.
Innovation, tech and hands-on learning
The cohort stepped inside ManuFutures, Deakin’s advanced manufacturing innovation hub where companies, researchers and startups work side by side on robotics, automation and future-focused product development. It was a rare behind-the-scenes look at how big ideas grow legs and sometimes robotic arms.
For Jankit, the visit to the IISRI lab and ManuFutures shifted his entire perspective. Seeing researchers blend AI, robotics and real-time threat modelling helped him realise that cybersecurity “isn’t just a protective layer, it’s becoming the backbone of emerging technologies.”
I flew to Australia thinking of myself as a cybersecurity student. I returned seeing myself as someone who wishes to work at the intersection of defence, automation, AI and secure innovation.
Across AR, VR and data workshops, students also had the chance to experience analytics and emerging tech in a hands-on way. Bhavika described these sessions as making analytics feel “tangible and exciting” and said they showed her “how innovation connects with real-world impact.”
Expert-led sessions in cyber security, digital surveillance and emerging technologies rounded out the academic experience, offering practical insights and a clearer view of where future opportunities could lead.
Culture, creativity and Melbourne at its best
Outside the classroom, the group made the most of Melbourne’s culture, weather and character. They discovered the city’s famous four-seasons-in-a-day climate firsthand, which Bhavika found added a sense of adventure to every outing.
Match day was a highlight for many. Jankit described standing inside the MCG for the Australia India match after a full day of digital media workshops as “almost cinematic”. Bhavika had her own version of the moment watching the same match in a Melbourne McDonald’s, calling it the best moment of her ten-day stay thanks to the unmatched energy of everyone around her.
Between visits to Queen Victoria Market, the zoo, museums and laneways in search of good food, the cohort also squeezed in a trip on the Puffing Billy Railway and a journey along the Great Ocean Road for a classic Victorian road trip experience.
Connections that shape futures
The immersion wrapped up with a networking event at Deakin Downtown. Students connected with alumni, industry guests and Deakin leaders in conversations about careers, innovation and the growing partnership between India and Australia.
For many, the people they met were as impactful as the places they visited. Bhavika reflected on how diversity fuels “collaboration, curiosity and fresh thinking” and how being open to new environments helped her grow both personally and professionally.
This journey didn’t just expand my knowledge—it broadened my outlook. It’s a lesson I’ll carry forward to keep exploring, learning and approaching both data and life with curiosity and creativity.
A milestone for our GIFT City community
This visit marked an important moment for our GIFT City students and for Deakin’s connection with India. Watching the cohort learn, explore and build confidence across new environments has been both inspiring and energising for everyone involved.
We are proud to have supported this cohort throughout their time in Australia and even prouder to see them carry these experiences into whatever comes next!
You must be logged in to post a comment.