Australia's premier ICT research organization NICTA and Infosys have signed a joint research collaboration agreement to tackle the hard technology problems facing businesses today.

The program is intended to include joint research, doctorate student internship and professional exchange programs, as well as commercialization of relevant intellectual property over the next five years.

Potential outcomes of the collaboration could see aging technology systems readily modernized for the cloud. Logistics departments could find faster, greener transport routes. 'Agile' techniques previously used for software development could be adapted to accelerate the definition and solution of business challenges.

"Innovation across borders is essential to accelerate the pace of world prosperity," said NR Narayana Murthy, founder and chairman emeritus, Infosys, at an announcement ceremony today at NICTA's 8th Techfest technology showcase, held at Parliament House in Canberra.

"This partnership is a great vote of confidence in NICTA's research capabilities and ensures it will stay at the cutting edge of technology development in the years ahead. It also demonstrates Australia's strength as a leading digital economy," said Stephen Conroy, minister for broadband, communications and the digital economy.