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A UWA geospatial software start-up that began intensive research just three years ago is gaining significant traction on the international market.

Mapizy Founder and CEO, Dr Ravanbakhsh and his partner Dr Pouria Ramzi are supplying computer vision software to help monitor changes to built-up and natural environments for agriculture, mining, natural resources and urban infrastructure projects.

This platform processes satellite, drone and terrestrial images and creates analytics that can measure agriculture weeds, pests and crop diseases, forest growth,  land cover, remote mine rehabilitation and building footprints.

The team recently signed a partnership with UWA and were chosen as finalists for the agriculture-focused Harvest and science –focused CSIRO ON Prime programs.

“These programs have helped us to cultivate our venture by coaching us on developing an export mindset and skillset.

“Agristart’s Harvest program helped us to value-add, grow our business and explore new markets. Through the program we were fortunate to be connected to different companies that have technology to complement our own.

“Additionally, On Prime is for researchers like us, who have evidence that our research addresses a real world need and are steering it towards high-potential innovative ventures.

“These programs are great examples of how government and industry can collaborate with researchers to create successful companies in WA,” Dr Ravanbakhsh said.

Co-founder and Managing Director of Agristart, Dr Natasha Ayers said the goal of Harvest was to support companies to scale up and explore new export opportunities.

“Mapizy fit the criteria we look for - they are based in WA, looking to expand and were willing to commit a staff member every Friday for the nine week program.

“We were delighted to offer Mapizy a place in our program and to play a part in their success.

“Their product is essential because it provides data to help farmers as well as other industries make decisions that will inform their business,” she said.

Mapizy has gone from strength to strength after participating in the first program that helped them launch their prototype in 2016 – UWA’s Innovation Quarter’s (IQ) Start Something.

“Now just two years after completing this, we are launching our products internationally - this demonstrates how quickly business can progress if committed to the networking opportunities of these programs,” Dr Ravanbakhsh said.

Mapizy’s software solutions have been recognised by the American and UK society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing through technology awards.