Docklands’ landmark tech space

By Meg Hill

The Australian Computer Society (ACS), the professional society for Australia’s tech sector, opened a Victorian headquarters in Docklands mid-last year. 

It became one of Melbourne’s most innovative and collaborative workplaces – a place for ACS members and organisations to make their own.

The location covers more than 2000 sqm of digitally enabled floorspace 14 levels up on the tail end of Collins St.

ACS named the space an “innovation hub” and fitted it out with private workspaces, high-tech meeting rooms, large screens and an interactive media wall.

Just months after opening the initial space, ACS added an artificial intelligence (AI) hub.

The hub includes 50 seats dedicated to AI businesses operating onsite and the ability for onsite tech companies – scaleups – to demonstrate their AI products and capabilities to customers, inventors and stakeholders.

ACS CEO Andrew Johnson told Docklands News there were reasons the hub was launched in Docklands and not another inner-city area.

“Our strategy involves a series of enablers to ensure that we, as a professional body, are fit for the future. One of them is to reinvigorate and expand ACS’s networks of influence and enhance the member shop-front experience,” Mr Johnson said.

“There’s a strong finance and backing presence in Docklands and many head offices that are homes to technology professionals. It was a perfect fit.”

Since opening, ACS has progressed on track to fill its 150-seat AI hub, with new members Harrison.ai and Microbio joining quickly.

“We are looking at forging innovation partnerships between corporate, small- and medium-sized enterprises and research partners interested in the growth of emerging technologies at multiple levels,” Mr Johnson said.

“We believe Australia can be a world leader in technology talent, and the Docklands hub is an essential part of realising the vision of helping the creation and adoption of emerging technologies.”