A national platform for optimisation, AI and decision science connecting industry, government and universities
OPTIMA is transitioning from an ARC-supported centre into a multi-university innovation partnership designed to expand Australia’s capability in optimisation and applied AI. Headquartered at the University of Melbourne, OPTIMA brings together leading researchers, industry partners and government stakeholders to solve complex challenges across sectors including energy, health, transport, manufacturing and public policy.
By joining OPTIMA-IC, organisations become part of the largest optimisation research network in the Southern Hemisphere, creating opportunities to accelerate innovation, research translation, workforce development and cross-sector collaboration.
Why Partner with OPTIMA?
OPTIMA-IC members gain access to:
- A national network of optimisation, AI and decision science experts
- Opportunities to initiate collaborative research and innovation projects
- Connections with industry, government and academic partners
- Training programs, professional development and research exchanges
- Access to emerging talent and industry-connected students
- Visibility through OPTIMA events, conferences and outreach activities
- Collaboration opportunities across multiple sectors and disciplines
- Access to emerging research, industry insights and innovation opportunities
Members also help shape OPTIMA’s future research priorities, training activities and industry engagement initiatives.
Delivering ValueAcross Sectors
For Universities
Partner universities gain access to a national research network that supports collaboration, industry engagement and research impact. Participation helps attract and retain high-quality researchers and students, strengthen grant competitiveness, expand industry partnerships and enhance opportunities for research translation.
For Industry
Industry partners gain access to world-leading expertise in optimisation, AI and decision science. Through collaborative projects, networking opportunities and direct engagement with researchers and students, organisations can address operational challenges, explore innovation opportunities and build future workforce capability.
For Government and Public Sector Organisations
Government agencies and public sector organisations can leverage OPTIMA’s expertise to support evidence-based decision-making, improve service delivery and tackle complex policy and operational challenges through collaboration with leading researchers and industry experts.
Talent Attractionand Workforce Development
OPTIMA connects researchers, students and professionals through a national community of experts and collaborators. Members benefit from expanded professional networks, access to emerging talent and opportunities to strengthen workforce capability in optimisation, AI and decision science.
Student Employabilityand Future Talent
Through bespoke training, industry engagement and networking opportunities, OPTIMA helps develop graduates who are job-ready, industry-aware and equipped with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills. Members gain access to a pipeline of highly skilled students and emerging researchers.
World-Class Training
OPTIMA delivers high-quality training that prepares students, academics and industry professionals for real-world challenges. Our programs build advanced optimisation and decision science capability while creating opportunities for collaborative projects, innovation partnerships and competitive funding applications.
Industry Engagement and Collaboration
OPTIMA provides structured pathways for collaboration across industry, government and academia. Members can engage with partners across sectors including water, energy, manufacturing, transport, health, retail and public policy, creating opportunities to solve complex challenges and generate measurable impact.
Research Translation and Impact
OPTIMA helps transform strong ideas into practical outcomes. Through co-designed projects, networking events, industry-led seminars and collaborative research initiatives, we connect members with real-world challenges and opportunities, ensuring research and innovation are informed, relevant and ready for implementation.
National Contribution
Being an OPTIMA-IC member positions your organisation as a contributor to Australia’s national research, innovation and workforce priorities. Our focus on optimisation and applied AI aligns with government expectations for stronger collaboration between universities, industry and government, helping members deliver economic, social and technological impact at scale.
Join Australia's Leading Optimisation Network
Whether you are a university seeking stronger industry engagement, a company looking to solve complex challenges, or a government organisation seeking evidence-based solutions, OPTIMA provides a platform for collaboration, innovation and impact.