Local merger creates major player in AI and sensor technologies
24 June 2022
South Australian companies Consilium Technology and elmTEK have joined forces, forming a new group that will bolster the State’s growing defence industry and capability.
The merger brings together more than 20 years’ combined experience and innovation in software engineering, systems integration, digital sensors, simulation and AI.
As well as applications across defence and space, the alliance will also enable the group to increase its scale and capabilities across sectors such as agriculture, mining, logistics, energy and infrastructure.
elmTEK co-founder and Managing Director Ganen Ganeswaran said the merger of two experienced and growing companies demonstrates a real maturing of Australia’s digital defence sector.
“Our wish has always been to grow a sustainable and resilient business in South Australia, and this merger will allow us to continue on that trajectory,” Mr Ganeswaran said.
CEO of Consilium Technology, Seth Thuraisingham said the new group’s capabilities in sensors, simulation and AI are critical to solving defence challenges.
“Technology like AI and sensors are akin to prediction machines that can deliver competitive advantage against emerging threats in the defence environment, improved yields in agriculture and automated knowledge work in enterprise,” Mr Thuraisingham said.
“We’re excited about the competitive advantage that the combined capabilities of elmTEK and Consilium can provide for Australian industry, and the opportunity to grow the export of our Australian-owned intellectual property and products to international markets.”
To remain headquartered in South Australia, more than 160 people, including scientists, mathematicians, and engineers, will be employed by the new entity, with further investment in developing a highly skilled Australian workforce expected.
The combined experience of the two companies will ideally position the new business to support the future submarine and adjacent maritime programs, leveraging deep AI expertise to offer specialised capabilities at scale to the new AUKUS and future submarine enterprise.
The merger has been welcomed by Professor Tanya Monro, Chief Defence Scientist.
“Innovation – to grow and sharpen Defence capability – must deliver advantages for Australia quickly, tangibly and enduringly. It is good to see Australian Defence Industry supporting and accelerating the development of disruptive technologies beyond the research and initial demonstration stages,” she said.
The new group, which will announce its new name and brand soon.
Image: Ganen Ganeswaran, Seth Thuraisingham & Bjorn Wharff.
