Techstars Adelaide, the first Techstars accelerator in Asia-Pacific has announced the official launch of its 13-week intensive program in which 10 startups from different parts of the world will gain access to high profile mentors, the Techstars global network, a newly renovated work space in the Adelaide CBD and a cash investment of up to US$120,000 in their companies.
After reviewing applications from 49 different countries, Techstars Adelaide selected the Top 10 to take part in its accelerator program with founders hailing from Australia, India, Israel, Italy, New Zealand and the US.
The selected teams work on a wide range of defence and security related technologies including big data and analytics, sensors, unmanned aerial systems, rocket propulsion, cyber and physical security, and performance improvement.
Witness the Aussie domination
Out of the 10 finalists, six startups are from Australia, with companies from Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide joining the program.
1. Additive Rocket Corporation (San Diego, USA) uses revolutionary techniques to rapidly 3D print lightweight rocket engines for the space industry by utilizing the direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) additive manufacturing process.
2. CRON Systems (New Delhi, India) is a defence technology startup developing an IoT based intrusion detection platform with the aim of future proofing non-smart international borders and making them smarter, safer and securer.
3. Daitum (Adelaide, Australia) offers a cloud-based self-service software that combines AI, machine learning, and data analytics to help individuals and businesses realise the true value of their data and businesses make better decisions.
4. Dotterel Technologies (Auckland, New Zealand) is solely focused on noise reduction and audio enablement in drones. Their primary focus is to make drones quieter for various commercial uses including cinematography and defense and security.
5. IR Sensors (Adelaide, Australia) has developed a next-generation infrared security sensor that detects human presence, whether moving or stationary, with zero false alarms.
6. Iridium Dynamics (Brisbane, Australia) has developed a commercial UAV (drone) called Halo, an unmanned aircraft which transitions between two flight modes –one like an aeroplane, the other like a helicopter.
7. MySky Technologies (Adelaide, Australia) offers portable fire-and-forget counter drone technology which is based around a multi spectrum next generation sensor board that incorporates multiple passive targeting technologies.
8. NIMIS CyberSecurity (Melbourne, Australia) is an artificial intelligence penetration testing tool that simulates a cyberattack and helps companies stop cybercrimes before they become victims of hackers.
9. RadioMaze Inc. (Cupertino, USA) developed a technology that transforms any Wi-Fi enabled devices into motion sensors to detect home intrusion, making high-performance home security available to everyone.
10. Teamgage (Adelaide, Australia) developed an online platform aimed at large organisations that helps foster a culture of continuous improvement by improving employee engagement levels, enhancing team performance and creating a better workplace for everyone.
Techstars Adelaide is led by managing director, Terry Gold who said he was looking forward to working with the Top 10 to help them grow their companies while introducing the overseas founders to Adelaide.
“The selection process was not an easy one due to the large volume of very strong applications. We were hugely impressed by the depth of innovation coming from the defence and related sectors. We were particularly excited to see that so many of the applications that really stood out from the crowd were from our home base of Australia,” said Gold.
“From drones to data analytics, from virtual borders to rocket science – we’ve assembled a group of the most exciting technology startups working in and around defence today. By bringing these teams together and linking them with startup experts and industry specialists we will help them rapidly scale up their businesses.”
What will the Techstars Adelaide accelerator entail?
Over the course of the program, the companies will relocate to Techstars Adelaide’s new bespoke workspace on the city’s North Terrace and receive hands-on mentorship from Techstars mentors.
They will also receive guidance and support from the corporate partners and global defense sector leaders Boeing, Codan Defence Electronics, SAAB Australia and Thales. All participants will benefit from lifetime access to Techstars resources, connections to investors and the Techstars global network of over 5,000 entrepreneurs, alumni and mentors as well as over US$1million worth of perks all aimed to provide the companies with all the resources they need to achieve their goals.
David Cohen, Founder and Co-CEO of Techstars commented, “It was a promising experience to launch our first accelerator program in Asia Pacific in a relatively niche sector. The calibre of the applications we received is a true testament of the immense potential both within the region, but also of startups targeting the global defence sector.
“We are excited to have such a great class of founders apply to join the Techstars Adelaide program, and look forward to seeing where these startups can go. To date, our program has helped companies raise an average US$3.5 million in venture capital once they’ve completed the program, and we look forward to offering the same opportunities to our Top 10 companies for our first program in APAC,” added Cohen.
The South Australian Government welcomes the Techstars Adelaide accelerator program to its home. Acting Innovation Minister Susan Close said, “Techstars helps entrepreneurs to succeed and today’s announcement further strengthens South Australia’s reputation as the epicentre for smart, new companies to make their start.
“The State Government congratulates the first round of participants announced today for Techstars’ Asia Pacific program.
“With a focus on commercialising innovative technologies in the defence and security sectors, these start-ups will work closely with global companies such as Boeing, SAAB and Codan who have existing operations in South Australia.”
