Aussie bushfire prevention tech goes global

Aussie bushfire prevention tech goes global

A powerline fault detection system invented at RMIT is being rolled out globally thanks to AUD $50 million in new funding.

The system uses sensors mounted on poles as far as 10km apart to detect stressed or failing components in powerlines before they cause faults, preventing power outages and bushfires.

IND Technology, the RMIT spinoff company developing the system, has expanded its footprint over the past decade with offices in Australia, the US, Canada and Malaysia, counting major utilities in Australia and North America among its customers.

Now, the company has secured AUD $50million to further accelerate the deployment of its Early Fault Detection system, which has already prevented an estimated 500 fire events globally.

The latest investment is co-led by US-based energy sector specialists Angeleno Group and Energy Impact Partners, with Virescent Ventures serving as the Australian partner, alongside backing from Edison International, one of the world’s largest electric utility holding companies.

Professor Alan Wong invented the early fault detection technology at RMIT.Professor Alan Wong invented the early fault detection technology at RMIT.

IND Technology CEO and RMIT University’s Professor Alan Wong said what mattered now was getting the technology to where it could make the greatest difference.

“This support is a strong affirmation of the value of homegrown innovation and in Australia’s ability to lead in practical, life-saving engineering,” he said.

“We’re committed to working closely with utilities to embed a prevention-first approach into energy networks and help protect the communities they serve.”

IND Technology will also use the capital to expand its machine-learning engineering team, further enhancing the platform’s ability to interpret complex fault data and deliver actionable insights for utilities.

IND Technology is growing rapidly with approximately 15,000 Early Fault Detection units now sold across six countries and is used by major utilities including AusNet Services, Powercor, Western Power, Endeavour Energy in Australia, Southern California Edison, PPL Electric and PG&E in the US, and Fortis Alberta and ATCO in Canada.

Kristin Vaughan, Managing Partner of Virescent Ventures, said grid reliability and resilience were among the most critical challenges and opportunities for the energy transition.

Ageing infrastructure, hotter and drier summers, and rising bushfire risk all mean utilities need smarter tools to detect faults before they become costly outages or catastrophic fires events.

“This is exactly the kind of innovation needed to underpin the electrification of the global economy. It is smart, proactive, data-driven technology that delivers immediate benefits for communities, utilities, network operators and the broader economy,” she said.

Last year, IND Technology opened a new manufacturing hub in Melbourne, generating millions of dollars of export income for Victoria and Australia.

RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO, said the company’s trajectory exemplified RMIT’s mission to translate academic research for societal benefit.

“Not only has this meant local job and wealth creation, it has also meant lives and property are being saved through the translation and roll-out of this technology born at RMIT," Drummond said.

 

Learn more about this project's impact here.

 

Story: Michael Quin

02 February 2026

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