In 2010, an industry-led group along with Grow Wellington, the Ministry of Science and Innovation and Victoria University, identified the need for a Wellington-based, world-class programme of tertiary study, research and development in computer graphics.
While the success of companies such as Weta Digital and Sidhe have established Wellington as a world-leader in this market, to sustain and grow this position it was identified that more highly skilled graduates and industry focussed research was needed.
As a result, the Victoria University Computer Graphics Programme was initiated.
“Victoria University is following an internationally established culture by setting up this Programme,” says John Hine, Victoria University’s Professor of Computer Science. “A close relationship between graduate based research and development and the highest level of industry benefits all of us. Wellington is a natural home for this type of collaboration.”
A key focus of Grow Wellington’s ongoing support is the commercialisation of the research generated by the Programme and participating companies.
“These are companies and researchers at the top of their field and we want to help them extend their competitive advantage,” says Sven Pannell, Grow Wellington’s Screen and Digital Centre of Excellence manager. “We will also help commercialise the research generated by this group, leading to a more robust sector as we increase the number of businesses able to step into the spotlight in this global market.”
The Computer Graphics Programme will attract and generate talent at world-leading levels. The Programme, which is unique in Australasia in the way that it blends both computer science and design, will be offered at Victoria University from 2012.