SAPHI Engineering awarded government grant

Newcastle-based engineering company SAPHI Engineering has been awarded a grant worth $1,536,572 under the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program.

SAPHI develops custom algorithms that operate on-prem or on-edge via camera and sensor networks, utilising AI copilots designed to keep operators safe whilst executing operational efficiencies without relying on human decision-making.

The company began as a single proof-of-concept for one mining customer, having now grown into multi-national deployments spanning in-vehicle safety, forklift safety, thermal intelligence, and connected CCTV.

The government's Industry Growth Program provides an advisory service for startups and SMEs undertaking "innovative commercialisation and/or growth projects" that are within the priority areas of the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund (NRF).

Once companies have received the advisory service report, they may choose to apply for matched grant funding to support commercialisation and/or growth projects. Grants are awarded based on merit, and are assessed by the independent Industry Growth Program Committee.

The company's project summary on the government's Grant Recipient page states that SAPHI is "commercialising Shellshock AI, an advanced, multi-modal vehicle intelligence system enhancing safety, compliance, and efficiency in mining, transport, and manufacturing. Industry Growth Program support will accelerate commercialisation, create skilled regional jobs and grow advanced manufacturing".

“From in-vehicle co-pilots intended to support operator safety and productivity, to existing CCTV networks repurposed as a continuous watch for high-risk activity, this program supports the expansion of the technology where it matters most,” SAPHI’s chief commercial officer, Liam Manning, said in a LinkedIn post.