Colombo Innovation Tower: One-of-akind epicentre for innovation
The recently-opened Colombo Innovation Tower (CIT) aims to bring together players from across diverse industries and disciplines to connect industries with start-ups, students and international knowledge experts.
With Academy of Design (AOD), the most forward design catalyst in the country with its wide international network built over the years, at its epicentre, the CIT is the pioneering innovation hub in
Sri Lanka.
According to an AOD media release, the CIT runs on the philosophy that design and creativity act as the underlying core, and when merged with business and technology, has the power to deliver innovative solutions. This eco-system led by design and technology is ignited by sharing knowledge, collaborating with various industry players, advancing by working actively, and nurturing by mentoring and developing the skills and knowledge needed to innovate.
Established in 2000, AOD brings a lot of design expertise to the table. With constant access to a pool of young design and creative talent, it is ideally placed as an innovation engine. According to Linda Speldewinde, founder and chairperson of AOD and CIT, “Innovation is executing an idea that addresses a specific challenge and achieves value for those involved. It is more than just ideating. A new or improved process, service or product is what innovation is all about, but what is important is that innovation has an impact, is purposeful and meaningful, and most of all relevant! Actual outcomes is the only way you can distinguish between just buzzwords and what innovation really means.”
AOD envisions the CIT becoming a one-of-a-kind epicentre for innovation in South Asia, marrying design and technology. Locally, the CIT aims to provide design expertise and be the core that drives innovation within the industry and among its players. Through this venture, AOD itself will be turning a new leaf with AOD 3.0 to cater to future demand, combining design education with technology and business.
Ms. Speldewinde said: “We believe Sri Lanka really is an innovation island, with its high knowledge base in IT and technology, creative and design strength, coupled with its strategic geographical location with easy access to the region. Thereby, the CIT is positioned well to play this role as an innovation catalyst.”