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The Array, a co-located digital games and esports development centre in the Northern Territory, officially opened its doors to the public, marking a significant stride in Darwin’s technological landscape. The Array is designed to be a focal point for digital entertainment, education, and innovation commercialisation in the Territory.
To foster technological advancement and economic growth, the Territory Labor Government, through its Territory Innovation Challenge Program, awarded The Array the distinction of being the winning project to establish a digital games and e-sport centre.
Spearheaded by Dylan Bennet from an Australia-based video game studio and Nick Hanigan from an Australian leasing company, this innovative initiative promises to transform the region into a hub for digital innovation and gaming excellence.
Underlining its commitment to positioning the Territory for future investment and job creation, the Territory Innovation Challenges Program aims to propel the development of an innovation-driven economy. Minister for Business and Jobs Joel Bowden emphasised the strategic importance of The Array in catalysing the Territory’s foray into the burgeoning tech industry.
Bowden underscored the global significance of the video games and e-sports industry, citing its staggering revenue of US$215.6 billion in 2021, with the Asia Pacific region contributing substantially to this figure. He highlighted the Territory’s advantageous position vis-a-vis the Southeast Asian market, envisioning future investments that would fuel job creation and economic prosperity.
Dylan Bennett, CEO of The Array, echoed Bowden’s sentiments, stressing The Array’s role as a transformative force in the region’s technological landscape. Bennett credited the seed funding from the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Innovation Challenges Program as the catalyst for realising The Array’s vision.
He noted that The Array represents more than a refurbished historical landmark; it serves as a nexus where aspirations materialise, innovative concepts intersect with digital advancements, and the community collaborates to forge a more illuminated and technologically enriched tomorrow
The Array’s multifaceted mission, positions it not merely as a tech education institution but as a dynamic ecosystem fostering innovation and economic growth. He highlighted the centre’s pivotal role in empowering the local tech talent, enabling them to acquire requisite skills, innovate, and compete on a global scale.
The Array’s establishment heralds a new era of technological prowess and innovation in the Northern Territory. As the region embraces digital transformation, The Array stands poised to nurture a generation of tech-savvy individuals, catalyse entrepreneurial endeavours, and propel the Territory into the vanguard of the global tech industry. With its strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and visionary leadership, The Array exemplifies Darwin’s ascent as a thriving hub of technological innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
The Array embodies Australia’s governmental goals by promoting innovation, technology, and economic development. It reflects initiatives like the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA), which aims to foster entrepreneurship and research.
NISA underscores the significance of science, research, and innovation as enduring catalysts for economic prosperity and growth. Complementing broader governmental investments in these areas, NISA prioritises key focuses: empowering Australian entrepreneurs by facilitating access to new funding streams, fostering risk-taking, and leveraging innovative concepts; enhancing collaboration between industry and researchers to tackle real-world challenges and spur job creation; attracting and nurturing top-tier talent for future roles; and demonstrating governmental commitment to innovation and agility in operational frameworks.
The Array’s focus on digital skills aligns with programs such as the Digital Skills Organisation, which addresses workforce needs in the digital age. Furthermore, its location in regional Darwin echoes the government’s Regional Development Australia Fund, which supports economic growth outside major cities. By nurturing talent and fostering innovation, The Array contributes to Australia’s broader goals of driving economic prosperity, enhancing digital literacy, and empowering regional communities.
