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March 18, 2020
UOW graduate-led start up awarded $1million in federal grants
The start up aims to manage bio security hazards on shipping containers using unmanned aerial vehicles and hyperspectral imaging techniques
On Tuesday 17 March 2020, two University of Wollongong (UOW) graduates were awarded a million dollars by the federal government as part of the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) challenge.
Julian van den Berg and Jason Clissold founded Industry Spec Drones (ISD) in 2018 with the idea of creating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) that are capable of operating in complex environments. ISD is a business resident at iAccelerate, which is a unique business incubator run by the University. It is one of just six recipients to have received the $1million grant.
Both Co-Founders, Julian van den Berg and Jason Clissold are UOW Alumni and formed Industry Spec Drones whilst working on different projects at iAccelerate. Julian graduated with a BSc Science, Biological Sciences and Geoscience in 2009 and has over 13 years of industry experience; and Jason graduated with Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Computer Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Physics.
SOLVING THE BIOSECURITY HAZARDS
The company will deploy hyperspectral imaging sensors and detection applications to scan equipment and shipping container to identify pests and contaminants that pose a biosecurity threat to Australia's Natural Resources and Agriculture Sectors.
THE JOURNEY TO SUCCESS
Julian said iAccelerate provides a great environment and support for business residents.
“iAccelerate has provided us timely support, partnerships avenues and access to world class facilities at UOW for conducting research,” he said.
The company collaborates with faculty at the University and provides opportunities to students undertaking their degree.
“We regularly work with professors in the School of Engineering and employ students conducting their thesis work,” Mr Clissold said.
iAccelerate CEO Omar Khalifa said this is a great achievement for the team at Industry Spec Drones and it’s a testament that the skills gained by students at UOW are applicable to solve real world problems.
“This is a huge win for the company and continues to demonstrate the skills that UOW imparts to its students and how iAccelerate provides the additional building blocks for those who are ready to focus their careers through start up development.” he said.
UOW Vice-Chancellor Paul Wellings CBE congratulated the team at ISD for their commitment, entrepreneurial spirit and hard work to make their venture a success. He said these outcomes accurately complement the world class facilities, academic support and superior quality education provided to students to achieve their career goals.
“It makes me feel proud when our students compete with great minds in the industry and come out as winners. The start up sector in Australia offers great opportunities for those who have the right skills and capabilities to solve complex world issues. Our students are equipped with those capabilities and have the mindset to take on the risks and challenges that come with it.” Professor Wellings said.
About Business Research and Innovation Challenge (BRII):
The Business research and innovation challenge encourage businesses to develop innovative solutions to government policy and service delivery problems.
About Industry Spec Drones:
ISD was established to develop new and innovative UAV flight platforms to solve inspection problems for industry.
Our flight platforms are designed to operate in harsh environments and provide cost-effective, safe, remote access to conduct work that was previously too costly, inaccessible or dangerous.
ISD is at the forefront of research and design, developing new payload options and imaging techniques including hyperspectral imaging and machine learning techniques to solve issues around Biosecurity.
Read more about Industry Spec Drones…
About iAccelerate:
iAccelerate is a unique business accelerator and incubator program run by the University of Wollongong (UOW). It’s a thriving community of like-minded entrepreneurs with vision, purpose and passion, growing their impact through exceptional education, mentoring and support among inspiring surrounds.