December 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

CEA backed TrademarkVision launches ‘deep learning’ image recognition for IP protection

Advanced system enables easier visual search for IP protection

Australia, 21 December 2016: CEA backed creative-tech startup, TrademarkVision, has announced the release of its ‘deep learning’ algorithms to further enhance its world leading image recognition technology.

Law firms and corporates around the world leverage TrademarkVision to protect brands through visual search. However, highlighting the impact the new technology is having on the industry, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), one of the largest IP government bodies in the world, has become the first government to officially launch TrademarkVision’s technology in its eSearch platform on 10 December. This followed a successful beta trial that saw around 1,000 trademark image searches conducted per day.

The integration of the ‘deep learning’ algorithms into TrademarkVision’s already sophisticated image recognition technology now allows for advanced detection of objects, as opposed to other algorithms that compare attributes such as shape and texture. Entrepreneurs can ensure that their Intellectual Property (IP) is unique, with the technology able to search trademark images automatically – reducing a laborious, manual search process down to just seconds.

Based out of QUT Creative Enterprise Australia’s (CEA) incubator, TrademarkVision was an early recipient of CEA’s dedicated creative-tech Startup Fund and continues to work closely with the startup organisation as it strives to scale out its advanced technology to additional global government bodies.

CEO of QUT Creative Enterprise Australia, Anna Rooke, said the growth of TrademarkVision is testament to how Australian creative-tech startups can be game-changing.

“TrademarkVision’s new technology being adopted by the EUIPO is a huge achievement for the company. TrademarkVision has developed a creative-tech solution that will implement high-level change as to how brands worldwide will manage their IP in the future. The EUIPO is one of many government entities integrating with TrademarkVision, and the new year will see some further announcements as they change the course of the industry.

“Results like this is why we worked so hard to establish the CEA Startup Fund, so we can provide support for entrepreneurs in the creative space who are building products of huge impact,” added Ms Rooke.

Founder and CEO of TrademarkVision, Sandra Mau said that the CEA Startup Fund investment and ongoing support has been a welcome backing in her long-term vision to use image recognition technology to protect brands and drive innovation.

“When you come across a logo, it’s easy to compare it with your own, but when you want to compare it to millions, suddenly the task becomes very daunting. For anyone who has ever wanted to create a unique logo or ensure their IP is safe from possible infringement, they know this process can take hours, days and sometimes weeks.

“We’re grateful for the support from the CEA team and Startup Fund that has backed our mission to overhaul this process, globally. TrademarkVision’s technology cuts trademark, brand and logo searches down to seconds. Our technology has the potential to not only improve brand owner’s lives, but completely change the game of brand protection,” added Ms Mau.

The CEA Startup Fund – established by QUT Creative Enterprise Australia in 2013 – is the first and only dedicated investment fund specialising in accelerating the growth of creative tech companies. The fund, which offers between $25,000 for pre-seed stage and $150,000 for early-stage businesses, is available for commercial investment in high-growth, scalable businesses in Australia.

The CEA Startup Fund currently has funding remaining to support two more Australian creative-tech ventures in 2016.

For more information, visit: qutcea.com/startup-fund/ 

– Ends –

Media Contact

Sarah Bond, Launch Group

E: sarahbond@launchgroup.com.au | M: + 61 449 543 181| T: +612 9492 1041. 

About QUT Creative Enterprise Australia (CEA)

CEA helps start, grow, scale and connect creative companies. Providing essential business skills and mentoring focused on company growth and investment, CEA accelerates companies with a focus on design, fashion, entertainment, photography, music, film and television, digital technology, games and interactive content. 

Since 2008, CEA has established more than 50 startups, engaged with 4,000 entrepreneurs, supported over 500 creative industries businesses on site and raised over $60m in capital. CEA offers access to workspace, business mentoring, special events, networks, research expertise and capital to foster the growth of the creative industries in Australia.

About TrademarkVision

Launched in 2013, TrademarkVision is a technology startup creating advanced image recognition solutions to help protect brands. The technology is currently used by multiple government IP offices as well as leading law firms and corporates around the world. 

In late-2016, TrademarkVision launched its ‘deep learning’ algorithms and other machine learning algorithms for the world’s first semantic image search for logos, enabling the system to recognise objects like humans do. The world leading technology offers the most intelligent trademark image search on the market. For a free trial of TrademarkVision go to www.trademark.vision/start and to take a look at their latest research projects visit www.trademark.vision/labs

Five-point check-list for NSW residents on the current Solar Bonus Scheme

Many solar power customers are in for a bill shock, with a predicted increase of hundreds of dollars on their home energy bills as the Solar Bonus Scheme draws to a close in New South Wales in two weeks on 31st December 2016.

Whilst solar systems alone have been an attractive and affordable proposition under the bonus scheme, a more reliable source of sustainable energy savings is needed once the Solar Bonus Scheme ends. 

The introduction of battery powered renewable products is offering Australian consumers an innovative alternative which can generate as much as 80 per cent energy bill savings.Renewable energy tech startup Evergen has received thousands of responses to its new intelligent home energy management system launched last month, with New South Wales at the centre of demand.  

Evergen is the nation’s first, next-generation, intelligent home energy management system – backed by AMP Capital and CSIRO – leverages the combined strength of solar and batteries with smart technology. The Evergen system continuously analyses and optimises home energy costs, always choosing the most economic source between solar, battery and the grid at any time

Evergen CEO, Emlyn Keane, said that more than half of the demand for the Evergen home energy management system is coming from NSW, where a recent report that crunches the numbers on the financial impact shows 146,000 NSW customers will be hit hard by the upcoming changes.

“For the NSW households currently on the Solar Bonus Scheme tariff that ends soon, it is crucial to think about what this means to their energy bill, and what the next steps are. The energy sector is currently facing huge disruption with the customer having more control than ever over their home energy costs. There are plenty of opportunities for individuals to reduce their bills going forward, by using a combination of more advanced and complementary technologies like batteries, coupled with intelligent management technology that manages all the system components for you. 

Mr Keane’s five top tips before the Solar Bonus Scheme 31^st December end date:

1.     Check your bill

It’s important to check your bill and see what credit you are currently receiving for the solar power your system generates. How much is it? What will your quarterly bill look like once the Solar Bonus Scheme ends on 31 December? There are many reasons to shift to a renewable option – control, environmental impact and cost-savings. However, without the return on investment, renewable energy technology is more of a luxury or conscience item. New systems in the market such as Evergen offer up to 80 per cent reduction on your standard energy bill – providing a practical alternative that adds up with or without government subsidies. 

2.     Speak to your electricity provider about your meter

Many houses on the Solar Bonus Scheme will have to change their electricity meter when the scheme ends if they want to be paid anything at all for solar energy they export to the grid. The company you buy your grid electricity from should be able to help here. If that gets too hard, Evergen can arrange a change in meter as part of our broader solar battery installation.

3.     Have a think about when your house uses the most energy

With the end of the Solar Bonus Scheme, you are best to try to use all the solar power your panels generate yourself, rather than let it go to the grid. Most solar systems generate their peak output in the middle of the day – so if possible, try to align your electricity consumption to use the most in the middle of the day. 

4.     Have you thought about a battery?

For many houses, it is difficult to consume lots of electricity in the middle of the day, when the sun is out but nobody is home. In this case, a home battery system can make sure you get the most out of your solar panels, by storing the solar energy generated in the middle of the day, and releasing this energy when consumption increases when everyone gets home. By allowing you to store energy for when you need it most, a home battery system means less reliability on the grid, and considerable cost savings. Batteries need careful management though, to make sure they are saving energy for when it is most useful to your house, and to ensure the batteries themselves last as long as possible.

5.     Consider an intelligent home energy management system

An intelligent home energy management system can automatically look after your solar and batteries for you, ensuring you save the most money, and maximising the life of these important assets. An intelligent energy management system should include monitoring and forecasting of your electricity consumption and future solar generation. The remotely managed and CSIRO analysed Evergen system, for example, learns the power consumption patterns of each customer household and forecasts solar production based on local weather to build a picture of future energy flows. This analysis (done every few minutes) automatically chooses the lowest price source to power your home – whether that’s solar, your battery or the grid.  

“Since our launch in July, we have seen a sharp take up of the Evergen intelligent home energy management systems in the State. Our customers will have the first remotely-managed renewable energy centre for domestic use, which offers them far greater control and choice over the way energy is used and distributed in their home,” Mr Keane said.

Mr Keane continued: “Not all systems are equal and many do not have the intelligent management needed to get the most out of the solar and battery hardware. Therefore, questions to ask include: Does the system allow you to store excess energy for a rainy day?  Is there ongoing monitoring and customer service to ensure you are getting the most out of your investment? Who re-configures the system if your energy tariff or living circumstances change? Are all the hidden costs identified such as initial consultation and installation?

With December 31 around the corner, it’s important to act now and investigate the product options on the market. With the additional energy savings available through combined battery and solar systems, it makes sense to consider an upgrade.

ENDS

Media Contact: louise@launchgroup.com.au | 02 9492 1003 | 0452 574 244

About Evergen:

Evergen is a new energy services company that sells and manages intelligent home energy systems comprising solar power and batteries. The ’intelligence’ technology is provided by the CSIRO, which periodically analyses and remotely updates the system to improve over time. AMP Capital is a major investor in the company alongside CSIRO.

Evergen is run by energy scientists and advocates of change for clean solar and battery storage technologies for the home including renowned energy scientist Dr Glenn Platt and former CEO of AMP Capital and Evergen Chairman Stephen Dunne.

Cyber-safe kids’ fitness wearable launches in time for Australia’s predicted $48 billion Christmas 2016 spend[1] 

About Elanation: 
Elanation is a lifestyle technology brand designed for kids producing high-quality sporting products connected to an exciting online community and futuristic galaxy. Elanation products are designed in Australia and manufactured in the wearable capital of the world, Shenzhen. 

About the Co-Founders: 
Katherine Pace is an Australian Design Engineer with experience managing the Creative Director of Bang & Olufsen’s design studio out of Copenhagen. 

Aimee Atkins is one of the original Dorothy the Dinosaur’s from The Wiggles and has over 20 years’ experience creating successful children’s products and entertainment.

Sarah Bond sarahbond@launchgroup.com.au 02 9492 1041 or 0449 543 181

Crossroads will officially launch Thursday, December 1 at International Towers, Barangaroo

Australia, 1 December 2016: Australia is well-placed to capitalise on the strong growth seen in its fledgling startup sector, but some significant barriers remain to enjoying a truly world class startup ecosystem StartupAUS, Australia’s peak advocacy group for startups, said today.

Releasing the third annual Crossroads Report, a comprehensive review of the nation’s startup ecosystem, StartupAUS CEO Alex McCauley said an improvement in the conditions for entrepreneurship in Australia could see up to $170 billion added to the Australian economy.  

“It has been a strong year for startups with some solid progress in the transition to a competitive, high tech economy. However, at a time when our traditional industries are under siege by global competitors, it’s vital we foster the growth of this powerful new economic segment.

“We have made a lot of progress. Australia is ranked 1st in the Asia-Pacific and 7th globally in the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Index. However Australia still records some of the lowest rates of startup formation, and one of the lowest rates of venture capital investment for a developed nation.

“With the right kind of focus, we have the opportunity create companies that will disrupt global industries and generate powerful economic growth and jobs for Australians,” said Mr McCauley.

Supported by Australia’s leading startup authorities and enterprise contributors, the StartupAUS Crossroads Report features a State-by-State brief on the progress of local ecosystems, an analysis of the effect of innovation-boosting measures already in place and identifies 14 concrete policy options that will address growth barriers and help us accelerate the development of globally significant technology companies.  

These include recommendations which would generate high impact, immediate improvements to the success of our startup ecosystem. These are:

Improving the R&D tax incentive by making it more favourable to startups: The R&D tax incentive is the government’s largest innovation-focused program. It could be made significantly more effective by increasing a portion of the refundable tax offset and paying it quarterly for early-stage startups.

Creating a national innovation agency: A national innovation agency would address the current fragmentation of innovation policy and expenditure, and give much-needed focus to Australia’s efforts to transition to a knowledge economy.

Implementing a national Entrepreneurs-in-Residence program: A prestigious national Entrepreneurs-In-Residence program would engage a series of internationally experienced entrepreneurs, angel / VC investors and startup advisors to provide much-needed guidance to early stage Australian startups.

Making targeted amendments to legislation affecting Employee Share Schemes: There remain two fundamental issues to the Employee Share Schemes (ESS) that require attention in order for ESS to achieve their full potential. Addressing these would remove the remaining bugs in what is otherwise a world-class system.

Establishing a program to attract promising international startups to Australia: Australia can be an attractive destination for foreign startups, however internationally there is still limited appreciation of the breadth and depth of startup activity that exists here. In parallel with implementation of an Entrepreneur Visa, an international business development capability would help to inform promising startups from around the world about the benefits of establishing in Australia and encourage them to move here.

According to the report’s author, Colin Kinner, Australia needs to produce a greater amount of entrepreneurs and do everything possible to stack the odds in their favour.

“Startups can be an economic growth engine for Australia, but only if we greatly increase the number of startup founders and equip them with the skills, capital and supportive regulatory environment they need to succeed on a global stage.”

“Having spent some time in Silicon Valley it’s clear that Australia is a challenging place from which to grow a global tech company. We are geographically isolated from major markets, and despite having some world-class startups we still see many first-time founders learning by trial and error. We need to invest in startup founders and ensure they have the right skills and connections to compete globally,” Mr Kinner said.

The official launch of Crossroads will be held at International Towers, a progressive new workspace, located on the harbour foreshore at Barangaroo, beginning 5pm Thursday, December 1.

Dual towers – Two International Towers and Three International Towers – are a collective of some of Australia’s most respected innovative firms and industry disruptors.  Mr McCauley said the space is a great fit for the Crossroads launch event, with a powerful commitment to supporting the growth of game-changing, high growth Australian companies both established and emerging.

StartupAUS Crossroads is a comprehensive analysis of the startup ecosystem. For more information and the full report visit: www.startupaus.org/crossroads/

-ENDS-

Media Contact

Louise Proctor louise@launchgroup.com.au 02 9492 1003 / 0452 574 244

About StartupAUS

StartupAUS is a not-for-profit entity with a mission to transform Australia through technology entrepreneurship. StartupAUS believes a strong home-grown tech sector is vital to future Australian jobs and wealth. But getting there will require a national imperative to create the right environment, with a supportive culture and more entrepreneurs with the right skills.

For more information, visit: www.startupaus.org