Savannah McGuirk is using her PhD learnings to solve real-word problems through her start-up.
02 September 2024
In brief:
- Savannah McGuirk takes PhD learnings to solve real word problems with a start-up.
- She seeks advice to make sure her business is compliant.
- Advice from the Access Canberra Business Assist Team confirms she’s on track.
While completing her PhD, Savannah McGuirk discovered an industry problem that was yet to be solved.
With her research pointing the way, Savannah launched her business, Remote Water Analytics.
From research to start-up
“Research is funny like that,” Savannah said. “You never know where you going to end up.”
“I started out my PhD looking at carbon levels in soil, but soon discovered that soil moisture was impacting remote sensing satellite and drone data for carbon monitoring. What I also found, was there is no consistency in methods for monitoring soil moisture levels with optical satellite data.”
That’s when things shifted for Savanah. She saw the application of her scientific research for the purpose of solving real world industry problems.
Remote Water Analytics is in its infancy as Savannah finalises her PhD, but she’s already working with some clients. She’s using state-of-the-art remote sensing technologies, like satellites and drones alongside advanced data science, AI and machine learning to pull comprehensive insights into soil and water conditions.
“We can do soil moisture mapping as well as long and short-term soil monitoring. We can also provide geospatial data visualisation. Satellite data gives us near real-time access to accurate and actionable information,” she said.
Savannah said they can help small scale farmers or large agricultural operations to adopt more sustainable practices.
“To be honest, I was surprised there wasn’t already a product in market that could affordably, reliably and efficiently test soil moisture remotely.
“Soil sampling and testing is an expensive and labour-intensive endeavour, particularly over large areas when we’re dealing with large agricultural holdings.”
But it’s not just agricultural applications that Remote Water Analytics can deal with. Savannah is currently working with a local Canberra civil construction company who are developing a new Canberra suburb.
“Construction companies can’t work when it’s wet without damaging the surfaces which they have already carefully prepared. By accurately monitoring soil moisture levels, we can get them back on site as quickly and safely as possible after rain, ultimately helping them get their job done faster and realise real financial savings.”
ACT Government business support
Earlier this year, Savannah attended the ACT Government’s first CBR Small Business Expo. Curious to see what was on offer, she came across the Access Canberra Business Assist Team.
“I overheard them speaking to someone else, and they sounded helpful,” she said.
“It got me thinking about whether there were any permits or licences I need to operate a soil and water management business.”
Like a true Canberran, and scientist, Savannah was keen to know that she was following all the correct processes and had all the right licences and permits.
After hearing Savannah’s story, the Business Assist Team got to work on her behalf, seeking advice across government, including from the ACT Environmental Protection Authority.
Kim from the Access Canberra Business Assist Team said they were glad to provide advice to Savannah.
“Savannah’s business is a bit niche, and we were able to give her peace of mind that she was compliant with necessary regulations,” said Kim.
Savannah agreed.
“It was reassuring to be able to access the team by email and get confirmation that I had done the right things and was compliant in running my business,” she said.
As for what’s next for Savannah, her business is one of 24 across Australia participating in a business accelerator program run by the Commonwealth Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
“It’s a three-month accelerator program to support drought-resilience in Australian agriculture.
“I’m a scientist, so I’m looking forward to learning many of the skill sets I need to run and operate a successful start-up,” she said.
To find out more about the Access Canberra Business Assist Team that helped Savannah, contact the team.
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