Griffith University

Building a smarter campus with Data#3 and Cisco.

What really made me excited is when we started to see the uplifting in space attendance and we’d gone from seeing people spaces that were generally only 40% occupied over a day to now sitting at 80-90% because people not only felt comfortable here in the built environment, but were engaging in the new technology and excited to do so.

Michelle Prendergast - Senior Manager Transformation, Office of the Vice Chancellor, Griffith University.

Objective

Griffith University set out to modernise its campus by implementing a Smart Campus proof of concept at the Nathan Campus. The goal was to optimise space utilisation, improve energy efficiency, and enhance security, while supporting hybrid learning and collaboration.

Approach

Partnering with Data#3 and Cisco, Griffith University deployed intelligent campus solutions using IoT, analytics, and unified communications. A phased, collaborative approach ensured seamless integration, robust security, and active engagement with stakeholders, delivering a flexible and sustainable foundation for future innovation.

Business outcomes

  • Flexible, hybrid-ready workspaces with real-time monitoring
  • Enhanced collaboration and hybrid learning experiences
  • Data-driven energy efficiency and sustainability reporting
  • Operational transparency with advanced analytics
  • Reduced costs through intelligent space utilisation
  • Elevated student and staff experience through digital platforms
  • Scalable base for future smart campus innovation

IT outcomes

  • Improved security via zero-trust architecture
  • Agile deployment supported by strong partnerships

Solutions & Services

  • Data#3 proof of concept
  • Cisco Smart Technology

Customer demographics

  • Industry: Education (Tertiary)
  • Location: Queensland
  • Organisation size: 4,400+ staff / 44,800+ students
The story

Building the smart campus of the future

At Griffith University, innovation and sustainability are at the heart of its vision for the future. Through its Smart Campus initiative, a pioneering collaboration with Data#3 and Cisco, the university is redefining what’s possible in campus environments. By integrating Cisco’s Smart Buildings and Intelligent Workspaces technologies, Griffith has transformed its Nathan Campus into a connected, intelligent hub designed for hybrid learning, collaboration, and efficiency.

Through the power of IoT, advanced analytics, and unified communications, Griffith’s Smart Campus delivers a seamless experience for students and staff, enhancing energy efficiency, improving resource management, and strengthening campus security.

In this story, explore how Griffith University’s Smart Campus is setting a new benchmark for higher education, fostering innovation, agility, and a vibrant, user-centric atmosphere that empowers the Griffith community to thrive in a digital-first world.

Being able to walk up and go, ‘I need a meeting space quickly, it is available, I will jump into there,’ that’s been a really powerful thing.

Matt Long - Lead Platform Engineer, Griffith University.
Security

A future-ready approach to security

As Griffith advances its Smart Campus vision, strengthening digital security has become a key priority. The university is modernising its network to gain greater visibility across users and devices, ensuring security measures are applied consistently and in real time with technologies such as Cisco Define Access and PX Grid.

By centralising access controls and improving intelligence across the network, Griffith is building a secure and seamless foundation that supports the needs of a modern, connected campus.

In this video, discover how Griffith University is elevating security across its Smart Campus to protect its community and enable confident, secure digital experiences.

Where it was very segmented in the past, its now centralised through our identification of that user or device.

John Neilson - Product Manager, Network & Communications Platforms, Griffith University.
Network automation

Accelerating smart campus operations through automation

Automation is transforming how Griffith University manages its digital environment. Network-wide updates that once took days or weeks can now be deployed in minutes, allowing the team to focus on strategic improvements that enhance campus life.

A centralised policy framework ensures every device receives accurate, consistent configurations, creating a reliable and easily managed foundation for ongoing Smart Campus innovation.

In this video, discover how automation and centralised policy control are helping Griffith University streamline operations, improve consistency, and elevate the digital experience for its community.

Automation for us is key as part of this project. It’s now enabling us to make a change within hours or minutes.

John Neilson - Product Manager, Network & Communications Platforms, Griffith University.
Why Data#3

Empowering innovation with proven expertise

For more than 25 years, Data#3 and Cisco have helped organisations across Australia create secure, high-performing digital environments that enable smarter work, stronger collaboration, and better experiences for the people they serve. With deep Cisco expertise and a commitment to delivering measurable results, Data#3 provides solutions that enhance efficiency, boost agility, and drive continuous innovation.

Ready to transform what’s possible for your organisation? Contact Data#3’s team of Cisco specialists today.

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