Imagine visiting a zoo and not having to view the wildlife through wired fences or glass windows; or not having to plan ahead to ensure you make the ‘feeding times’ of your favourite animal; or not straining to hear the zookeeper from a distance introduce the animal under their care.

Jake Burgess, CEO of Sydney Zoo, did imagine this and, together with Western Sydney University (WSU), are seeking to deliver his vision for a fully immersed, on-safari, whole of family experience to Australia. 

Through WSU’s Launch Pad innovation program, a zoo hackathon was held (on Friday 8th April 2016) aimed at bringing together people across various disciplines (including engineering, industrial design, science, zoology, business, communications, and information technology) to crowdsource ideas for the creation of the world’s most technologically advanced zoo.

Some ideas generated involved virtual reality technology, advanced multi-touch robust displays, live in-field discreet surveillance streaming, gamified educational applications, sensorised cageless enclosures, and bio-metric diagnostic monitoring tools for data collation and analytics. The winning idea will be announced in the next few weeks.

By partnering with WSU Launch Pad, Sydney Zoo is able to engage with its resident emerging tech startups, university scientists and researchers, and corporate sponsors, such as KPMG, who assisted with the facilitation of the zoo hackathon.

KPMG is committed to and seeks to support innovative ecosystems throughout Australia by sharing its industry knowledge and experience, and providing access to leading thinkers in the innovation space, to achieve commercial success, including:

• General innovation consulting services to identify opportunities and create strategies that drive innovative initiatives and capabilities

• Advice and assistance with R&D tax and grants

• elevate61: together with Advance, deliver a rapid growth entrepreneur program for Australian start-ups to expand their market and funding to the US

• Alliance with Artesian Venture Capital Fund to support the growth of Australian startups, and

• Sponsorship of the Australian Fintech hub Stone & Chalk.

Article published by Tricia Liew, Manager, KPMG Innovate & elevate61