$1.7m to accelerate Perth tech hopefuls

A tech business that supports power provision in rural areas and a company developing a laser robot to remove damaged tissue and bones have won a combined $1.7 million of federal Accelerating Commercialisation grants.

Village Energy Group was awarded $750,000 for its hardware and software platform that manages supply and demand of electricity.

It is designed for rural communities, effectively using the internet of things to run a smart, distributed microgrid.

Village was co-founded by former Horizon Power employees Ben Hamilton (executive manager), Yvonne Power (manager of delivery and operations, microgrid technology division), and  Wayne Liubinskas (business development).

The company plans to roll-out the technology in India.

The other Accelerating Commercialisation winner, the Australian Institute of Robotic Orthopaedics, was founded by Riaz Khan and Daniel Fick, both surgeons and academics who also co-founded the Joint Studio.

It is headed by managing director Brett Robertson.

The company plans to use a $958,146 grant to obtain a distribution licence for its intelligent robotic laser system.

The system enables bulk removal of damaged bone and tissue in hip and knee replacements, with high surgical accuracy and precision.

The two businesses were among 16 nationally to be awarded $10 million.

Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews said the grants were targeted at projects with local and/or export market potential.

“The Liberal National government is committed to supporting Australian businesses with great ideas like these,” she said.

“The funding will help improve the capability and competitiveness of these businesses, promoting economic growth and creating Australian jobs.”