In Summary

Swinburne University of Technology students will have new opportunities to be involved in ICT projects following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the university and technology start-up company Lightsapp.

Swinburne students will benefit from this partnership in two ways.

Lightsapp has developed an innovative freelancer platform – likened to a dating site for contractors and companies – that uses a search algorithm to deliver a ‘perfect match’.

As part of their studies, Information and Communication Technologies students will be involved in projects to expand the gamification and mobility features of this platform.

Students from a range of disciplines will also be able to register to use the app as contractors and gain experience by being connected with industry seeking particular skills to work on genuine projects. The calendar and availability functions within Lightsapp will make it easier for students to fit such work around their studies.

Swinburne’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Digital Frontiers) Professor Leon Sterling welcomed the new partnership. 

“This is an exciting opportunity for our students to develop the skills they need to succeed in the modern labour market,” Professor Sterling said.

Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Lightsapp, Fulvio Inserra, said: “We look forward to working with and mentoring students in a number of key initiatives including how to build and promote their professional profiles, scope work and manage work streams.”

The new partnership is part of Swinburne’s Work Integrated Learning program that prepares students for their career, helps them to develop professional work practices and networks, and allows theoretical knowledge to be applied to authentic work situations.

Swinburne’s Centre for Career Development will be working closely with Lightsapp to enhance the employment outcomes of Swinburne students and graduates.