National reward

Two Western Australian companies – educational software developer ReadOn Pty Ltd and noise filtering technology company Sensear Pty Ltd – have been recognised at this year’s Australian Information Industry Association iAwards for innovations in the ICT sector.

Myaree-based company ReadOn received the community award for its interactive software program, which assists people in overcoming reading problems associated with dyslexia by using visual imagery.

Launched in August 2005, the company secured distribution arrangements in the US and UK last year, in addition to its Australian contracts.

ReadOn co-founder Jane Mangano said the company would be pursuing a second version of the software to enhance functionality.

Meanwhile, Crawley-based technology developer Sensear won both the healthcare category and research and development award for its noise filtering technology, which reduces ambient noise to make speech clearer in loud environments.

The company recently completed the design phase of its earmuff and earplug products and will begin distribution in July.

Sensear chief executive officer Justin Miller said while the initial application of the product would be in an industrial setting, the technology had relevance for the hospitality and military sectors.

Sensear is also negotiating a heads of agreement with Ear Science Institute Australia to test its products.