RMIT University has launched the RMIT AWS Innovation Lab (RAIL), powered by Amazon Web Services, in a landmark strategic collaboration designed to accelerate clinical research and public health, drive digital innovation and strengthen industry partnerships across Australia.
The establishment of RAIL makes RMIT the first university in Australia to have a dedicated AWS Cloud Innovation Lab.
This strategic collaboration builds on the success of the RMIT Advanced Cloud Ecosystem (RACE) Hub and expands the university's capability to deliver cutting‑edge cloud and AI enabled research, rapid prototyping and scalable digital solutions for industry, government and the education sector.
Louise Stigwood, Managing Director of Public Sector, AWS, shared their excitement about the opportunities brought to the Australian research community through the AWS strategic collaboration with RMIT.
"We believe that collaboration between industry, education and government is critical to help Australia build our national capability for success on the global stage. The new RMIT AWS Innovation Lab will equip local researchers, students and partners with industry leading AWS technology in pursuit of addressing some of Australia's biggest social challenges. From the new RAIL to our locally developed AI K-12 Education Program, AWS is committed to equipping Australians with the right tools and support to help them thrive in a digital future," said Stigwood.
(L-R) Valerie Singer, General Manager of Global Education, AWS with Professor Alec Cameron, RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Valerie Singer, General Manager of Global Education, AWS, acknowledged that the new lab will drive impact across Australia.
"The RMIT AWS Innovation Lab strengthens Australia's digital research infrastructure and creates a powerful ecosystem where researchers, students, and industry can collaborate using advanced cloud technologies. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to building AI-ready capabilities that drive economic and societal impact across Australia," said Singer.
Strengthening Australia's digital research ecosystem
The establishment of RAIL aligns with the Commonwealth Government's National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, supporting priorities around secure data, open collaboration, and digital and translational research capability.
RMIT Deputy Vice‑Chancellor Research & Innovation, Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO, said the partnership represents a significant step forward in national research translation.
"The RMIT AWS Innovation Lab strengthens Australia's digital research infrastructure and accelerates our ability to transform world‑class research into economic, societal and environmental impact. By combining RMIT's research excellence with AWS's leading cloud and AI capabilities, we are creating new opportunities for innovation that will benefit industry, government and the wider community," said Professor Drummond.
RMIT Deputy Vice‑Chancellor Research & Innovation, Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO New capability for Australia
RAIL will provide researchers, students and external partners with access to advanced AWS cloud technologies, AI and data services, specialised training programs and hands-on project support.
The collaborative environment is designed to shorten the pathway from research concepts to deployed solutions by bringing together cloud specialists, research experts, and structured innovation processes.
RAIL will initially focus on four core research themes aligned to national priorities and emerging industry needs:
- digital health
- connected futures
- aerospace, security and resilience
- public sector innovation
What's next
The RMIT AWS Innovation Lab will begin working with research teams and partners from mid-2026, with a program of innovation challenges and training opportunities to be announced throughout the year.
