Homegrown Powerline Safety Tech Finds Greater Success Overseas

A Victorian start-up developing life-saving powerline safety technology is finding more opportunities overseas than in Australia. IND Technology, led by Professor Alan Wong, has grown rapidly since its inception, but most of its impact has been felt internationally, particularly in North America.

Professor Wong, who also heads RMIT’s High Voltage Research and Teaching Laboratory, highlighted the frustration of seeing a locally developed technology gain limited traction at home. “This issue isn’t unique to our business. It’s a long-standing challenge for local start-ups and entrepreneurs,” Wong said. “While we do want to pursue business opportunities wherever they arise, our primary focus remains on supporting our communities.”

Local Innovation, Global Demand

IND Technology’s FireSafe SWER Early Fault Detection (EFD) technology is designed to prevent catastrophic bushfires by continuously monitoring powerlines for faults. The system can detect issues before they escalate into fire risks, providing a proactive solution to one of Australia’s most pressing challenges.

The technology has been extensively trialled across Victoria over the past nine years, with eight local trials proving its effectiveness. Despite this, widespread deployment has not materialised.

“It’s ironic that this technology was developed to protect Victoria yet is more widely used internationally. We’re trying to solve local problems, but we’re not receiving the support we need,” Wong said.

EFD systems are now in use across North America and Canada, where they have reportedly prevented over 500 potential fires. “We often find ourselves exporting to these regions just to stay afloat. It helps sustain the business for eventual local adoption,” Wong explained.

Growth Despite Challenges

Since its founding, IND Technology has achieved significant growth, expanding from a team of two to 85 employees. The company reports annual growth rates of 100 to 400 per cent, with 99 per cent of its sales coming from overseas markets.

The technology’s impact extends beyond safety, contributing to the local economy by creating hi-tech manufacturing jobs in Victoria. “Keeping manufacturing here not only protects our communities but also encourages other start-ups to innovate locally,” Wong said.

He added that a supportive local environment could help shift the perception of Australia as merely a testing ground for innovative ideas. “When businesses choose to grow here, it shows that Victoria is more than a launchpad – it’s a place where start-ups can truly thrive,” he said.

Lessons from Black Saturday

Fifteen years after the devastating Black Saturday bushfires, which claimed 173 lives and destroyed over 2,000 homes, Australia remains highly vulnerable to bushfires. This underscores the urgency of adopting effective solutions like EFD technology to prevent future disasters.

Despite evidence of its practicality, including a successful trial overseen by Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), the technology has yet to see widespread local implementation.

Building a Future for Local Innovation

Wong believes that supporting homegrown businesses is critical for fostering innovation and economic stability in Australia. “It’s frustrating to see technology that was created to solve local problems make a bigger impact overseas,” he said. “But we remain committed to manufacturing and implementing this technology here, where it’s needed most.”

As IND Technology continues to expand its international footprint, the company is pushing for greater recognition and support within Australia to ensure the benefits of its innovation are felt at home. Wong stressed that building a stable environment for start-ups will encourage more entrepreneurs to develop solutions tailored to Australia’s unique challenges.

“It’s about more than just business. It’s about protecting lives and creating opportunities for the next generation of innovators right here in Victoria,” Wong said.

Last Updated on November 26, 2024 by Nick Ross