Torrens University named one of Australia's most innovative companies for second year running

Torrens University Australia has been recognised as one of the Most Innovative Companies from more than 700 nominated organisations across Australia and New Zealand for the second year running. This year, the university ranked 10^th on the prestigious annual list in the Government, Education and Not for Profit category.

Augmented reality 3D experience brings our courses to life

The 2021 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies List, announced at a special online ceremony has recognised the work of Torrens University in bringing course guides to life through the Start your adventure: Billy Blue, an Augmented Reality (AR) 3D experience.

The radical new take on the traditional prospectus enabled school leavers and prospective students to immerse in virtual design showrooms, tour fashion studios and get up close with the works of our accomplished graduates and current students.

The AFR BOSS assessment measures a top innovation, specifically, how valuable the problem is that the innovation is solving, the quality and uniqueness of the solution, and the level of impact the innovation has had. In addition, internal elements of a company’s innovation culture, strategy, resources and process, which demonstrate a sustainable and repeatable approach to innovation, are assessed.

In 2020, Torrens University Australia was recognised for creating the country’s first Virtual Careers Expo for school leavers, following the restrictions imposed by COVID-19.

Leveraging digital and immersive technologies

Torrens University’s Start your adventure leveraged digital and immersive technologies to create the immersive AR Experience, for school leavers and prospective students interested in Branded Fashion, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Photography, Gaming and Artificial Intelligence.

Recognition for Torrens University in 2021 came from its development of this first-of-its-kind Augmented Reality (webAR) experience, where students simply scan a QR code, through various mediums, such as course guides, campus branding, social media and merchandise, to witness an interactive signpost erupt before their eyes, and begin their journey into the five unique ‘worlds’ of design and creative technology.

This innovative digital platform targets our next generation of school leavers and meets their appetite for digital and social channels and addresses the obstacles many Year 12 students have recently faced in making choices about their future.

There was enormous demand for the Billy Blue augmented reality experience throughout its 9-week campaign. With over 13 million views on TikTok, 50 thousand likes, over 1 thousand OOH (Out-of-Home) scans, and over 30 thousand AR interactions, this initiative has evidently had a far-reaching impact on students and the higher education sector in Australia and New Zealand. 

Torrens University Australia President Linda Brown said Torrens University was honoured to be recognised amongst the top organisations in the 2021 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies List.

“It is an absolute honour to be recognised two years in a row. This goes to the heart of our commitment to be industry’s university and to live our values, especially to be bold and creative. Our Augmented Reality experience addressed the challenges facing many Year 12 students making decisions about their future,” Linda said.

“Amidst the challenges of 2021, we have focused more than ever to ensure we make a positive impact on our students, employees and society."

In true Torrens University style, the university continues to deliver on innovation in 2021. Recognising that in today's dynamic workforce it's not enough to just be an 'expert' in one field and the need to have smart skills, they launched a new online offering, Smart Skills Digital Badges, in recent months. Comprised of industry videos, academic content, and learning activities, these industry-endorsed courses are specifically tailored to teach the desired smart skills of collaboration, quick thinking, creativity, innovation and leadership and take just 6-12 hours to complete and earn.

These Smart Skills Digital Badges are now available for the public to take up.

Photo credits - SomeOne in Sydney