CICs make up an Amazon Web Services program to apply cloud technology to public sector problems.

RMIT's CIC focus is cloud-based cyber security solutions, and will connect students, researchers, government, and subject matter experts to solve cyber security challenges.

When the centre launches in mid-2020, the CIC team will collaborate with colleagues in other units, including RMIT Activator (entrepreneurship), the Blockchain Innovation Hub, the Health Transformation Lab, and RMIT Online (online courses and degrees).

Students will get the opportunity to build prototypes addressing cyber threats, with a focus on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Challenges will come from government, industry, and the wider community, and the resulting prototypes will be made publicly available.

"Working closely with governments, industry, and partners around the world, RMIT is focused on closing skills gaps and making a positive contribution to our communities in a time of constant change," said RMIT vice-chancellor and president Martin Bean.

"We are delighted the Cloud Innovation Centre will develop in-demand skills to tackle real problems, and most importantly, deliver proactive solutions to protect Australians and the global community."

The Australian Cyber Security Growth Network's Cyber Security Sector Competitiveness Plan suggests an additional 17,600 skilled cyber security professionals will be required by 2026, and that the cyber security skills gap in Australia is already costing the country more than $400 million in annual revenue.

"Our experience in accelerating digital innovation through the global AWS Cloud Innovation Centre program will help the community deliver innovative projects to tackle cyber security challenges in Australia and around the world," said AWS country director for public sector in Australia and New Zealand Iain Rouse.

Existing CICs include California Polytechnic State University Digital Transformation Hub, Arizona State University Smart City CIC, Munich University of Applied Sciences Digital Transformation Lab, Code University of Applied Sciences Better Future Lab, Sciences Po School of Public Affairs Public Innovation Lab, Busan Metropolitan City CIC, Swinburne University of Technology Data for Social Good CIC, and University of British Columbia Community Health and Well-Being CIC.