Virtual reality mine safety program takes out award for tech startups
Western Australian - A virtual reality program that delivers mine safety training in 3D has won a national competition for tech startup companies.
Sentient Computing collected $100,000 as the overall winner of the KPMG Energise Accelerator for its MXV program.
The 12 week program helps companies develop so-called disruptive technologies for the mining, oil and gas industries.
Sentient managing director Doug Bester says companies need to cut costs, but not corners, on safety training.
The KPMG Energise Accelerator chose eight startups out of 80 applicants Australia wide, with a particular focus on the energy and natural resources sector.
"In an incubator you might do things like providing space for an organisation to grow, you might provide funding," Mr Smith said.
"The accelerator takes it one step further and actually educates and matures the organisation.
A similar program in Perth in 2014, called 'Unearthed' also attracted startups looking to innovate in the mining, oil and gas sectors.
See the full story here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-09/tech-start-ups-in-resources-sector/6836864