Boost for technology to detect wildfires in minutes
Inventors of a system which can detect bushfires in minutes will share in more than $5 million from the Morrison Government to roll out the technology here at home and overseas.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said Fireball International’s innovative sensor system is among 12 projects being backed to take on new local and international markets.
“As Australians, we know all too well the human and financial cost of bushfires and this technology will be a game-changer in quickly detecting and extinguishing them,” Minister Andrews said.
“Fireball International’s system allows for fires to be reported to emergency services in as quick as three minutes and it has already been successfully identifying blazes and alerting authorities in the United States.
“Fireball International will use its $500,000 in funding to roll-out its detection system across Australia as well as other countries overseas.
“The Morrison Government is committed to backing clever projects like these that deliver economic opportunities while solving real-world problems.”
Fireball International is headquartered at the Peregian Beach Digital Hub, which earlier this year rolled out a commercialisation program ‘FireTech 2020’ with the support of the Morrison Government.
Other recipients in this round of Accelerating Commercialisation grants include Bygen to commercialise its project that turns waste into activated carbon and Ingredient Innovations for its revolutionary flavour delivery system which adds flavour and storage benefits to food products.
Since the launch of the Accelerating Commercialisation grants in 2014, 489 grants worth more than $235 million have been offered to Australian businesses to commercialise their products.
More information on the grant recipients is available at www.business.gov.au/ac-funding-offers.
Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070