STEWARDSHIP of the seas hits a high-water mark this week as smart Brisbane company Blue Carbon launches its latest technology dockside at Manly.
The multi-awarded ocean-tech specialist is launching its fully autonomous oPod mini, designed to continuously monitor water quality and movement anywhere in the world.
This Australian-designed device is tough, smart and cost-effective.
Solar-powered and fully internet-linked, the tough-case module requires no shore power or mobile coverage.
Weighing only 32kg, it can be deployed by two people from a small boat/pontoon with no crane or specialist vessel needed.
“Two people. One boat. Done. No complicated infrastructure. Just continuous, connected ocean intelligence,” said Blue Carbon CEO Ana Novak.
“This oPod mini puts the ocean at your fingertips, Dr Novak said.
“It measures real-time, 24/7 and consolidates a range of metrics into a simple dashboard.
“Turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, tidal tracing – the information it delivers is vital for aquaculture, ports, coastal management and marine research in places such as the Great Barrier Reef.
“Not only is the oPod Mini highly functional, but our technology also helps protect the health of the sea and all of us who depend on it.
“The ocean’s natural power challenges us to rethink how we produce food and fresh water.”
Dr Novak’s experience across defence and systems engineering led to her co-found www.bluecarbon.cc in 2022 and now employs 14 people worldwide.
Blue Carbon has been recognised by a range of awards, is the sole Australian category semi-finalist contesting the international XPRIZE Water Scarcity award and has twice been nominated for the global Earthshot Prize.
Supported by the Australian Government Industry Growth Program, Blue Carbon has also received awards from Brisbane City Council and the Hong Kong Australia Business Association.
The oPod mini was launched on Tuesday at Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club, 34 Fairlead Crescent, Manly.
