Round 2 (2022) Proof-of-Concept Grant Recipients
Bio-Security Surveillance Challenge
To more accurately identify and validate threats to the biosecurity of primary industries and the environment in NSW.
Intelligent System Design
Contact: Julian van den Berg
julian@intelligentsystemdesign.com.au
A proof of concept of an innovative AI-powered mobile application designed to efficiently identify pests. Utilising advanced AI algorithms, the application allows users to take a photo of a pest and accurately identify the species, even distinguishing between morphologically similar ones.
The app is designed to be user-friendly and widely accessible to allow citizens to contribute to biosecurity surveillance. The application will also provide real-time data on pest distribution and incursions. This information is crucial for policymakers, farmers, and producers to protect biodiversity, enhance agricultural productivity, maintain trade relationships and safeguard natural resources.
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Challenge
To support the delivery of health services to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities through artificial intelligence solutions.
NSW Government agency contact: Professor Josephine Chow (South Western Sydney Local Health District)
Josephine.Chow@health.nsw.gov.au
Cultural Pulse
Contact: Reg Raghavan
reg@culturalpulse.com.au
A proof of concept of an innovative AI-based translation service designed to support the delivery of antenatal health care. The solution includes a live voice-to-voice translation and interpretation support in multiple languages, to be used during in person consultations; a virtual midwife app utilising AI to answer questions from patients in their language of choice; booking and form completion assistance, providing language support for patients to book appointments and request information; and a health administration dashboard to allow health care professionals to better provide antenatal care.
This solution is designed to reduce the administrative and translation burden on NSW Health and offer patients opportunities to receive care and vital antenatal information in their native language.
QBL Media Pty Ltd t/a VideoTranslatorAI
Contact:Tat Banerjee
tbanerjee@videotranslator.ai
A proof of concept of an AI-based telehealth solution designed to allow clinicians to set up two-way and broadcast health consultations with patients from a variety of cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This will include real-time translation and interpretation, allowing health care professionals to communicate critical information and answer questions in a patient’s native language. Additionally, the solution will communicate securely with the electronic medical records system allowing for a reduced burden on medical staff.
NSW Health Stream Management Challenge
To develop innovative resource recovery technologies and waste management solutions.
Advitech (Emergent Group)
Contact: Glenn Platt
glenn.platt@advitech.com.au
A proof of concept of a flexible, modular and extensible smart bin (‘SureWaste’) to optimise the collection and processing of waste. The concept is a distributed waste processing system, designed to be installed close to where waste is generated, across the full diversity of NSW Health sites. The technology is enabled by modern computing, machine learning and related technologies, allowing for the efficient sorting of recycling and quantification of the waste stream. The solution will also provide data on the volume and type of waste helping staff to optimise the waste stream, ensuring the efficient recycling of products and reducing wasted time and energy from staff.
Recycled Content Verification Challenge
To help NSW Government agencies, private businesses and other organisations procure recycled products through tracing and verifying recycled material.
Rosella Street
Contact: Sammy Williamson
Sammy.williamson@rosellastreet.com
A proof of concept of a Digital Product Passport (DPP). The DPP is a digital file designed to capture verifiable and traceable data on a product’s material composition; the percentage of recycled content; and the provenance of materials. This software solution is intended to deliver economic, environmental and social benefits by providing verifiable insights into a product’s lifecycle and sustainability attributes. The DPP aims to improve product transparency and accountability and support the NSW waste and sustainable materials strategies as well as facilitate a transition towards a circular economy.
School Zone Alerting System Challenge
To improve the existing School Zones Alerting System and road safety around schools.
HIVIS Hunter Valley Signs
Contact: Luke Sasse
lukesasse@hivis.com
A proof of concept of an innovative LED signage and monitoring system to refresh and enhance school zone safety, ensuring community roads are as safe as possible.
The solution includes advanced dynamic signage elements, community messages, pedestrian activity detection and real-time speeding alerts, alongside an enhanced monitoring and maintenance platform. This system also offers multiple communication methods, including 4G, long-range IoT cellular and satellite connectivity. The system aims to boost driver awareness, reduce speeding incidents, create a safer environment for school children and residents, and increase local engagement and communication.
Urban Heat Island Challenge
To mitigate urban heat island effects and improve the resilience to extreme heat events.
Future Village Placemaking Pty Ltd (Previously Plantabox)
Contact: Ben Perry
ben@futurevillage.com.au
A proof of concept of freestanding green infrastructure products that are placed directly onto hard surfaces and configured into floating gardens to reduce the effects of urban heat and improve the aesthetics of public spaces.
This system does not require excavation of the site and the gardens can be easily relocated, offering a flexible and dynamic addition to public spaces.
The floating garden system has water reservoirs and wicking built in to reduce water maintenance and provide improved plant health.
Tensile Constructions
Contact: Peter Bottero
info@tensile.com.au
A proof of concept of a Modular Urban Cooling (MUC) System. This system uses a unique combination of steel structures and lush, fast-growing vines to create natural shade and cooling for urban areas.
The solution is designed to significantly lower surface temperatures in high heat and improve air quality. The system aims to be scalable, flexible and easily installed in various urban settings, from car parks to pedestrian walkways, providing immediate cooling benefits.
The system aims to transform urban environments, making our cities greener, cooler and more liveable.
Eco Shield Systems
Contact: Daniel Griffin
daniel@ecoshieldsystems.com
A proof of concept of a new Vertical Greening System (VGS) that shades buildings with a porous scaffold and integrates novel ecosystems onto facades and roofs. This porosity allows heat to escape while maintaining a large vegetation area, creating habitat corridors and protecting views.
These systems are suspended away from the building to improve maintenance access and reduce operational costs, making them suitable for both new constructions and retrofits.
Visible from the inside, these porous ecosystems are designed to reconnect occupants with nature, improving amenity and productivity while greening the built environment.