One eye on safety

A Sydney company which specialises in iris recognition technology that provides security identity checks more accurate than DNA has taken out the honours in the annual Australian Technology Showcase (ATS) Patrons' Award.

Argus Solutions, the provider of the iris scanning equipment in one of NSW's largest correctional centres at Silverwater, has won over $20,000 in prizes after being named winner of the prestigious NSW government-supported technology award.

NSW Treasurer and Minister for State Development, Michael Egan announced the award to a gathering of technology company representatives. "ATS is all about showcasing NSW's leading technology players and providing a series of business events that support and nurture the continuing evolution of smart industries in this state," Egan said.

"The state government is a proud supporter of the Australian Technology Showcase, which now features more than 400 NSW Technology companies."

The ATS Patrons' Award rewards outstanding achievement in international markets by a NSW member of the Australian Technology Showcase.

Egan said Argus Solutions' technology used a video image of a person's iris to quickly and accurately determine their identity, eliminating the need for security cards, passwords and PIN numbers.

The probability of two people having an identical iris is one in 10 to the power of 78.

Argus Solutions has completed a successful border control trial with the Singapore government and is now pursuing further opportunities for export sales in Singapore, the United States and United Kingdom, China, Malaysia and the Middle East.