Innovating for a Safer Future: The Connectivity Innovation Network and the NSW Smart Sensing Network announce winners of $230,000 Sensing for Disasters Funding
The Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) and the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) are pleased to announce the winners of our joint call for proposals on Sensing for Disasters.
Following on from a joint Regional Connectivity Challenges Symposium in 2023, it was evident there is a need for innovative and advanced disaster sensing technologies.
As a result, the Connectivity Innovation Network and the NSW Smart Sensing Network released a joint call for proposals on Sensing for Disasters. This call for proposals in the sensing for disasters space presented an opportunity to develop research and innovative solutions that will improve outcomes for citizens of New South Wales, particularly those in regional disaster-stricken areas.
The call for proposals was to develop innovative disaster sensing technologies in the fields of physical and information sciences, and engineering. The aim is to nurture the creation and development of new sensing technologies that are real-time, accurate and reliable for predicting and monitoring natural disasters — floods and bushfire disasters in particular.
This call for proposals was divided into two streams:
Stream 1: Fundamental research aimed at completing theoretical proof or lab experiments.
Funding: Up to $40,000 per project.
Stream 2: Innovative projects that can be demonstrated in the field.
Funding: Up to $150,000 per project.
The Winners
Following a rigorous assessment process, three projects have been selected as winners. These projects include pure theoretical research to push the boundary of integrated sensing and communications technology, an AI-based geospatial sensing management platform to optimize sensor deployment and maximise sensing accuracy, and a low-cost robust wireless rain gauge to revolutionise the way to monitor rainfall.
1. Jinhong Yuan, University of New South Wales
Project title: Integrated Sensing and Communication Technology for Disaster Monitoring
Funding: $39,959
Duration: 12 months
2. Wanchun Liu, University of Sydney
Project title: Advanced AI-Enhanced Geospatial Sensing for Disaster Management
Collaborators: University of Technology Sydney and Pivotel Satellite
Funding: $40,000
Duration: 12 months
3. Kai Wu, University of Technology Sydney
Project title: A Novel Real-Time and Accurate Wireless Rain Gauge
Short text about the project and why it is so unique.
Funding: $149,092
Duration: 12 months
These projects promise to push the boundaries of disaster sensing technology and provide benefits to the citizens of NSW, especially those in regional areas affected by natural disasters. We look forward to seeing the progress towards delivering positive impacts in disaster preparedness and response.
About the Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN) )
Launched in late 2021, the Connectivity Innovation Network is a ground-breaking New South Wales Government initiative developed by the NSW Telco Authority in consultation with the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer. Jointly led by the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney, the Connectivity Innovation Network brings together nationally and globally recognised expertise, researchers, and industry to solve connectivity challenges and deliver improved digital outcomes for NSW citizens. More information can be found at www.connectivityinnovationnetwork.com
About the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) )
The NSW Smart Sensing Network, a consortium of nine leading universities across NSW and the ACT, is a not-for-profit innovation network that brings together universities, industry and government to translate world-class research into innovative smart sensing solutions that create value for NSW and beyond. Learn more at www.nssn.org.au
Media Contacts
Connectivity Innovation Network
Lonneke Willems
Marketing & Communications officer
T +61 2 9514 4388
E communications@connectivityinnovationnetwork.com
NSW Smart Sensing Network
Nicholas Haskins
Chief Operating Officer
M +61 413 281 724
E nicholas.haskins@nssn.org.au