A South-East based forestry business and a company that provides low cost connectivity for a wide range of industries including agriculture were two of the big winners in the 2017 Telstra SA Business Awards.
The awards were held on Tuesday July 11 at the Adelaide Oval.
Global Internet of Things (IoT) business Myriota won the new business category.
Myriota has deployed cutting edge technology to provide ultra low cost IoT connectivity for a wide range of industries including agriculture, transport, utilities, maritime, logistics and defence.
Its platform consists of low cost transmitters that talk to tiny (20 centimetre x 20cm) nano-satellites. The platform is underpinned by advanced software that enables direct to orbit IoT connectivity at a cost base unmatched by any other provider.
Myriota chief executive officer Alex Grant said he was thrilled to receive recognition from a company such as Telstra.
“The Telstra Business Awards have recognised leading Australian businesses for 25 years. To be considered alongside previous finalists and winners is a real honour,” Dr Grant said.
“This award caps an exciting few months for the business. We have deployed solutions into the field and are working with very large clients who have significant demand for global low cost IoT connectivity.”
Myriota chief technology officer David Haley said the award was recognition for the company’s commercial achievements.
“Our unique technology has won awards around the globe but this is the first time we have been recognised for turning clever technology into a successful business,” Dr Haley said.
“We’ve assembled a highly capable and experienced team and they have rapidly turned Myriota’s technology into a real product that is easy for customers to use.”
Another major award winner was Nangwarry-based forestry company LV Dohnt & Co Pty Ltd.
The company dates back to 1932. With the economy in the grips of a deep depression, Lawrence Victor Dohnt set up a logging company with the simple goal to provide for his family.
Now a fourth generation family business, LV Dohnt & Co is a revered name in the forestry industry, with a reputation for providing the southern hemisphere with sustainable and certified wood fibre to meet the needs of an expanding population.
Celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, LV Dohnt & Co has overcome its fair share of challenges, from the Ash Wednesday fires burning through 20,000 hectares of pine plantations to the devastating impact of the global financial crisis on some of its largest customers. Through sheer resilience and the support of its loyal staff, LV Dohnt & Co today stands as one of SA’s most iconic businesses and recently entered the South Australian Family Business Australia Hall of Fame.
The Telstra award winners will fly to Sydney for the national judging of the Telstra Business Awards on Thursday, August 24, culminating in the Telstra Business Awards dinner on Friday, August 25.