Wattwatchers, a Sydney-based “internet of things” energy management start-up has been selected by judges as one of two winners of this year’s Australian Technology Competition.
The developer of the web-based real time energy management Auditor device, took out the New Energy Award for 2016, while Melbourne-based company Independent Products won the Smart Cities Award for its ultra energy efficient air conditioner retrofit technology.
Competition organiser John O’Brien said both winners were chosen by judges for their world-leading Australian inventions combined with strong commercial acumen and significant global potential.
Judges described Wattwatchers’ Auditor as “a well developed solution for which there is a clear market need.”
They also commended the company for providing data and control to its users in “a sophisticated and accessible way,” and for its credible global strategy.
Part of this strategy has been the recent appointment of 10-year smart meter veteran Gavin Dietz as Wattwatcher’s new managing director in July this year.
As we wrote then, Dietz’s appointment comes at a critical time, both for the company and for the nascent Australian market for the “internet of things,” which many believe will be key to the transition to an energy market where consumers are engaged and want to make the most of opportunities to save money through energy efficiency, rooftop solar and battery storage.
As the ATC judges said, “It will be exciting to watch the company’s growth.”
The two winners will now go on to compete in the national finals in Sydney on November 2, against technologies from other sectors, at which the Australian Technology Company of the Year will be announced. For further information on the Australian Technologies Competition visit www.austechcomp.com
© 2016 Solar Choice Pty Ltd
