Transforming together: University & industry partnerships to grow the cyber sector and close the skills gap

The cyber skills shortage is growing, and many organisations still aren’t sure how to connect with universities or make the most of what they offer. Universities today are no longer just education providers. They are agile, strategic partners with the talent, research expertise, and program flexibility to meet real-world workforce needs across all sectors.

This panel explores how stronger collaboration between universities and industry, government, SMEs, the VET sector, and community organisations is already driving real impact. Through placements, mentoring, co-designed training, applied research, workforce development initiatives, and startup incubators, these partnerships are helping to close the skills gap and accelerate innovation.

Aligned with the CyberCon 2025 theme "Transform and Evolve" and submitted under the sub-theme “Future of Cyber Workforces”, the session will unpack how diverse university–industry collaborations are contributing to a more inclusive and resilient cyber workforce. These partnerships are not just for large enterprises or major metros, they are being implemented across a wide spectrum of contexts, from local councils and not-for-profits to tech startups, public agencies, and multi-sector consortiums.

Panellists will bring lived experience from across education and industry, including:

Together, these voices will showcase how practical, university partnerships are enabling organisations of all types and sizes to access emerging talent, build capability, and contribute to long-term sector growth.

This session is ideal for CISOs, HR leaders, education providers, hiring managers, and policymakers looking to explore effective, scalable ways to work with universities. It will offer a practical, forward-looking perspective on how these partnerships can evolve to meet the future needs of Australia’s cyber workforce.