Tech23 alumni are building a healthier, safer future

Dr Michelle Perugini (Tech23 2017) continues her work at Presagen, developing an AI platform that automates complex human behaviour. The platform can complete complex human-centric tasks that require human-like reasoning and intelligence. Michelle also founded Life Whisperer, which uses AI to select healthy embryos for IVF. She has stated to Adelaide Daily News that she wishes to keep both operations in South Australia so as to make use of the state’s talent and support ecosystem, and contribute to its long-term industry development.

Ian R. Aitken (Tech23 2017) is Managing Director at Sofihub. Developed by Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute, the home-monitoring system delivers custom reminders to senior and disabled citizens. In addition, it notifies carers or family members when unexpected activity is detected in the user’s environment, helping prevent accident or injury.

This year, Sofihub was a winner in the Australian IoT Awards and received an Accelerating Commercialisation Grant.

Tanya Newhouse (Tech23 2014), Co-founder and CEO of Flinders University spin-off Clevertar, has developed the company’s free app to support those suffering with mild-moderate anxiety and depression. The app was based on research into human-computer interaction undertaken by the Flinders Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.  

Users are guided through the Clevertar program by an avatar (referred to in the app as a ‘digital coach’), which prompts them to make weekly progress towards achieving their personal goals.

In 2017, Clevertar trialled the app in Sydney in conjunction with primary health network WentWest. It is now available on the App Store and Google Play. Clevertar has attracted over $2 million in investment, and this year won $500,000 in the government’s Accelerating Commercialisation Program.  

Clevertar is now branching out to work with clients across finance, legal, and professional service sectors; helping them develop virtual companions to interact with their customer bases.

Keaton Okkonen (Tech23 2016) is Co-founder and CEO at Black.ai. Most recently, Black.ai raised $1.2 million to deploy its AI and robotics sensor system in supermarkets. The sensor system will track shoppers when they enter the store and monitor which items they pick up and put down; assisting with theft prevention and stocktake.

Matthew Macfarlane (Tech23 2010), Co-founder of Curtin University spin-out iCetana, has helped commercialised the company’s AI-assisted video surveillance software. A research group at the university created the technology underpinning the platform, which uses anomaly detection algorithms to identify abnormal and potentially dangerous public activity. In 2017, iCetana raised $8 million from Go Capital, Yuuwa Capital and a range of angel investors.