Frucor Suntory has teamed up with tech startup Nexefy to develop virtual reality-based training for safety solutions in manufacturing. The initiative follows the company’s recent $400 million investment into a new facility in Queensland.
The company partnered with the government’s Advance Queensland initiative and hosted a challenge for virtual reality and extended reality experts to pitch innovative training and safety solutions.
Innovation Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said collaboration with industry, local startups and entrepreneurs was crucial for building Queensland jobs and manufacturing.
“The Advance Queensland initiative is about turning great Queensland ideas into the job-creating industries of the future in a competitive global environment,” he said.
“Pitch challenges backed by Advance Queensland have a great track record for connecting the Queensland know-how of home-grown startups like Nexefy with Australian and international investors.”
Among four companies shortlisted, tech startup Nexefy was chosen, where it won $80,000 and will embark on a pilot program with the beverage company to expand and refine the solution to implement at the new facility.
Nexefy will develop immersive training and use extended reality to create “transformational learning programs” with zero safety risk for participants.
Mark Toomey, program transformation director at Frucor Suntory, echoed Toomey’s enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying the company is thrilled to see the creativity and talent of the local business community.
“Our site will be world-class, and it’s incredible to be able to source the technology and expertise we need as we build our new facility.”
The training site is expected to be completed by mid-2024.
