University of South Australia has turned its telecommunications research into a multi-million company.

UniSA says its new spinoff will revolutionise machine-to-machine (M2M) communications across a range of industries.

In an effort to commercialise new technologies developed by UniSA’s Institute for Telecommunications Research, the new company, Myriota Pty Ltd, will use low earth orbit satellites to provide two-way data connectivity for remote sensors and devices.

Industry analysts have estimated that global M2M revenue will grow to $1.2 trillion by 2022.

Dr Alex Grant, Chief Executive Officer of Myriota, says these services have a range of applications which can benefit ecosystem management, monitoring of climates, defence, national security, maritime, mining, agriculture and more.

“Many industries with remote operations such as agriculture and mining have a need to obtain data from equipment or sensors in remote areas that are not economically served by existing communications networks,” Dr Grant says.

“Access to even small amounts of data has the potential to greatly improve efficiency of operations and reduce overall costs.

“Our understanding and management of the environment is also critically dependent on obtaining data from remote areas. Providing global reach for the Internet of Things, Myriota will provide a cost-effective, global service addressing these problems.”

The lead investor and commercial partner for Myriota is Canadian company, exactEarth Ltd, which will provide significant funding to commercialise the new technology.

“The huge capital investment in Myriota demonstrates the significant value and faith industry places on the research capabilities of our institution, and our ability to translate that research to commercial, practical advantage to the wider world,” says UniSA Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd.