An innovative project developed at The University of Western Australia has won spin-out company, Sensear Pty Ltd, the prestigious Frost & Sullivan 2012 Product Differentiation Excellence Award for its "high-noise communication" devices.

Sensear's technology includes earplugs and earmuffs for high-noise industrial settings such as building and construction, mining, military and hospitality, which allow users to remain aware of their surroundings while protecting their hearing. Sensear calls it ‘360 degree binaural situational awareness'.

It is also carries the capacity to upload software and enable two-way radio and wireless Bluetooth communication in high-noise environments. The range of attributes is unique in a single product.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards are assessed by industry analysts and recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as technological innovation in the personal protective equipment (PPE) market.

The Frost & Sullivan award adds to the company's growing list of accolades since it was formed in 2006, including the Dupont Innovation Award and Australian Design Award - both in 2008.

Sensear CEO Justin Miller said: "From our point of view the best awards are the ones we have not put a submission in for and the Frost & Sullivan award falls in that category."

The formation of the company was coordinated through the UWA Office of Industry & Innovation and its patented technology derives from research carried out by UWA and Curtin university joint venture, the West Australian Telecommunication Research Institute.

"We are extremely pleased by the successes of Sensear in making a global impact in the use of its technology and we wish them many more awards and successes into the future," Director of the UWA Office of Industry & Innovation Dr Andy Sierakowski said.

Media references

Dr Andy Sierakowski (UWA Office of Industry and Innovation)  (+61 8)  6488 7048
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783