Virescent Ventures Backs RMIT-Spinoff IND Technology’s Early Fault Detection Tech To Prevent Bushfires

Virescent Ventures has joined a $50 million funding round for Melbourne-based IND Technology, becoming the Australian partner in the raise alongside US energy investors Angeleno Group and Energy Impact Partners.

The round also includes backing from Edison International, an electric utility holding company based in the United States, and marks IND Technology’s first institutional funding.

IND Technology develops early fault detection systems used by electricity utilities and grid operators to identify signs of failure in power networks before faults occur. The technology is designed to help reduce outages, limit safety incidents and lower the risk of bushfires linked to electrical infrastructure.

Detecting Failures Before They Escalate

The company’s system uses sensors mounted on power poles, typically spaced up to five kilometres apart, to capture radio-frequency signals emitted by stressed or deteriorating components. These signals are analysed in real time, allowing faults to be located to within around 10 metres.

This approach allows utilities to move away from periodic, manual inspections and towards continuous monitoring. Maintenance teams can intervene earlier rather than responding after failures or waiting for scheduled checks.

According to IND Technology, this shift supports more reliable networks, reduces operational disruption and helps utilities manage maintenance and operating costs.

Funding To Support Scale And Product Development

The new capital will be used to expand deployment of IND Technology’s Early Fault Detection system and to grow its machine-learning engineering team. The company said this work will focus on improving how complex fault data is interpreted and translated into operational insights for utilities.

IND Technology says its systems have been associated with the prevention of more than 500 fire events globally.

Founded in Melbourne by RMIT Professor Alan Wong following the Black Saturday bushfires, the company has sold about 15,000 detection units across six countries. Its technology is in use with Australian utilities including AusNet Services, Powercor, Western Power and Endeavour Energy, as well as Southern California Edison, PPL Electric and PG&E in the United States, and Fortis Alberta and ATCO in Canada. Deployments are also underway in Europe.

Focus On Grid Risk And Resilience

Kristin Vaughan, Managing Partner at Virescent Ventures, said grid reliability and resilience are becoming more pressing as infrastructure ages and climate conditions shift.

“Grid reliability and resilience are among the most critical challenges and opportunities for the energy transition,” Vaughan said. “Ageing infrastructure, hotter and drier summers and rising bushfire risk mean utilities need smarter tools to detect faults before they turn into outages or fire events.”

She said IND Technology’s approach aligned with the type of prevention-focused infrastructure innovation needed as electricity networks expand.

“This is smart, proactive, data-driven technology that delivers benefits for communities, utilities, network operators and the broader economy,” Vaughan said.

Australian Roots With Global Ambitions

IND Technology Chief Executive Officer, Alan Wong, said the company had spent years working with Australian utilities to validate the technology in real-world conditions.

“For almost a decade, we’ve worked side by side with Australian utilities to show that early fault detection can improve grid resilience and reduce bushfire risk,” Wong said. “Eight local pilots demonstrated how valuable this technology can be when deployed at scale.”

Wong said the involvement of Virescent Ventures was significant given its understanding of the local energy market.

“With new partners, including Australian partners like Virescent Ventures, our focus is now on scaling delivery, field support and deployments globally,” he said. “This support reinforces the value of Australian engineering and its role in developing practical technologies that address real risks.”

Fund II Momentum Continues

The investment builds on momentum for Virescent Ventures’ second fund, which has now secured more than $155 million in commitments. Breakthrough Victoria recently joined cornerstone investors including the CEFC, Westpac and QIC.

Virescent has also made recent investments in Australian climate technology companies including Amber Electric, Relectrify and the National Renewable Network.

The firm said its focus remains on backing technologies that support the transition of energy systems while addressing operational, safety and reliability challenges faced by utilities.

Last Updated on December 16, 2025 by Nick Ross