Optus & M&C Saatchi Bag One of Only Two Non-US Winners At SXSW Innovation Awards

The collaboration between Optus and M&C Saatchi that produced a world-first shark detection buoy has continued its award run by winning the coveted ‘Internet of Things’ gong at the South By South West Innovation Awards in Austin overnight.

Clever Buoy, the breakthrough shark detection technology that demonstrates the strength of the Optus network, was deemed by judges to be the globe’s “Best smart product that most seamlessly integrates into our lives to improve convenience and efficiency through its intelligence and interconnectedness”.

Clever Buoy is a research and development project between Optus, Google and Shark Attack Mitigation Systems - SAMS to develop a smart ocean buoy that detects sharks and alerts lifeguards on the beach.

The buoy detects the sharks by measuring their unique sonar return. And via the Optus Network sends real-time information to lifeguards.

The prestigious award continues a hot streak of global innovation metal for Clever Buoy that includes the Spikes Asia Innovation Grand Prix, the LIA Most Innovative Use of Digital, the IAB Mixx Special Gold Innovation gong and the Warc Prize for Innovation Grand Prix.