ACTIVE

La Trobe x Cisco AI City Modernisation Innovation Sprint 2026

La Trobe University & Cisco
🇮🇳India
Application Deadline:10 Jun 2026

1. Program Overview

La Trobe University, in collaboration with Cisco India and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), invites applications for the AI City Modernisation Innovation Sprint 2026. This two-day, in-person innovation sprint will bring together 10 multidisciplinary university teams to develop practical, data-driven solutions for urban challenges (disaster management, mobility, public safety, and sustainable planning) using Artificial Intelligence technologies like machine learning, spatial analytics, and predictive modelling.

2. Venue & Logistics

  • Format: In-person
  • Dates: 22 & 23 July 2026 | Time: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm (IST)
  • Venue: Australian High Commission (New Delhi - India), 1/50 G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India.
  • Dress Code: Business casual

3. Program Structure & Agenda

The program includes two online informative sessions prior to the intensive two-day sprint in New Delhi:

  • Info Session 1 (Online): Wednesday 24 June 2026 - Overview of Artificial Intelligence
  • Info Session 2 (Online): Wednesday 8 July 2026 - Smart Cities & Their Approach
  • Day 1 (In-Person - July 22): Welcome & Keynotes, Challenge framing & policy briefing, Team formation, Design thinking workshops (stakeholder & data mapping), and Mentoring sessions.
  • Day 2 (In-Person - July 23): Ideate solutions, Prototype development & testing, Pitch coaching, and Final pitches to judges.

4. Eligibility & Team Formation

  • Open to current university students based in India. No prior experience required.
  • Preference for 3rd and 4th-year students with interests in AI, technology, engineering, urban innovation, and entrepreneurship.
  • Teams must comprise exactly 5 students from multidisciplinary backgrounds.

5. Funding, Travel & Accommodation

  • Participation Cost: There is no cost to participate. Catering is provided during program hours only (meals outside program hours are not included).
  • Travel Subsidy: Please Note: Selected teams travelling from outside New Delhi will receive financial support towards domestic travel and participation expenses. La Trobe University will cover the cost of return travel for university student teams, whether they travel by flight, bus, or train. Teams will travel together to New Delhi.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation is not subsidised. Student teams must arrange and pay for their own accommodation in New Delhi.

6. Awards & Recognition

  • Winning Team: AUD $250 per participant (Total Prize Value: AUD $1,250)
  • People’s Choice Award: AUD $100 per participant (Total Prize Value: AUD $500, determined via a live digital audience vote)

7. Application Process & Important Links

📅 Registration Deadline: 11:45 PM (IST), Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Interested student teams should apply directly via the official portal:

For queries, please write to Ms. Mahnaaz Khan (Austrade) at Mahnaaz.Khan@austrade.gov.au or Mr. Amit Malhotra (La Trobe) at a.malhotra@latrobe.edu.au.