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Australian optical spatial sensing company Visionary Machines has secured a $4.4 million grant under the Australian government’s Industry Growth Program to commercialise its Pandion Sentinel counter-drone technology.
The matched funding brings the total project investment to $8.75 million, reportedly enabling Visionary Machines to scale its manufacturing capabilities and fast-track product deployment.
“This Industry Growth Program grant, matched by our investors, provides over $8.75 million to accelerate our capacity and the capability we offer to the Australian Defence Force and international defence and security markets,” Visionary Machines chief executive officer Sonny Foster said.
“It’s a strong endorsement of our technology and mission to deliver advanced counter-drone solutions in response to rapidly evolving global threats.
“Pandion Sentinel is a direct response to the enhanced situational awareness required across defence, police, security and civil applications to address drone threats.
“Countering drones is a high value, high demand market and this grant allows Visionary Machines to accelerate development and manufacturing in Sydney; bolstering Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector and advancing Australian industry capability.”
Pandion Sentinel is a passive optical sensing array that delivers real-time 3D spatial awareness for continuous drone activity monitoring, detection, tracking, identification and precision targeting.
Designed for defence, security and industrial applications, it’s designed to meet growing demand for enhanced situational awareness across sectors facing unauthorised drone incursions.
“The Australian government-funded Industry Growth Program grant recognises and supports Visionary Machines’ unique innovation and role in the disruptive enhancement of national capabilities with this critical technology,” Visionary Machines chief operating officer Nicholas Gibbs said.
“This investment strengthens Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector, secures local supply chains and creates skilled employment opportunities.”
