You spent years being told the path was clear. Pick a lane. Study it. Master one thing. Get hired for that one thing.

After that, you spend the next decade proving you could do it fast enough, cheap enough, and quietly enough to keep your seat.

Now that path is gone. Not because AI took it. Because it was always too narrow to be worth walking.

Today, a new generation of workers is figuring this out faster than anyone expected. Replit CEO Amjad Masad, freshly featured in Forbes after building his company to a $3 billion valuation, put a name to what he’s watching happen in real time:

> **_Agentmaxxing._**
> 
> ![Source: @TBPN on X](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/9bd484b2e2a44b388d94b58a2a243e6469dc5fd86ce2e05e352e42a66c6a0085.avif "Source: @TBPN on X")
> 
> And if you’re young and you’re paying attention, this is the most encouraging thing you’ll read all week.

## **What Agentmaxxing Actually Means**

If you have not come across the term yet, _agentmaxxing_ is exactly what it sounds like.

It is the practice of deliberately and systematically building out a personal stack of AI agents to handle as much of your workload as possible, and then pushing that stack as far as it will go.

Where someone else might spend three hours on a research task, an agentmaxxer has an agent running it in the background while they work on something else.

Where someone else writes a first draft, an agentmaxxer has already generated five versions, evaluated them against each other, and is editing the best one.

Where someone else attends a meeting and takes notes by hand, an _agentmaxxer_ has a transcript, a summary, and a list of action items waiting in their inbox before they have closed their laptop.

It is not about being lazy. It is about multiplying what one person can actually output in a day.

The people doing this well are not gaming the system. They are using the system to do what ambitious people have always done: **find every possible edge, and press it.**

@[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmOooa1YB04)

## **The Fearmongering Misses the Point**

![Photo by Nathan Kuczmarski on Unsplash](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/0*HPmdjOhPoFiMuI9k "Photo by Nathan Kuczmarski on Unsplash")

If you’ve scrolled your feed lately, you know the dominant story about AI and young workers.

Entry-level jobs are shrinking. Graduates can’t get interviews. The robots are coming for junior roles first.

There’s enough truth in that framing to make it stick. Some entry-level work is changing. Some roles that existed five years ago look different today.

But the doom narrative has a blind spot, and it is a significant one.

It treats capability as a fixed competition between humans and machines, where every task AI can do is a task humans lose. That framing misses the more important question:

> **_What does a human become capable of when they have AI working alongside them?_**

Masad’s observation about _agentmaxxing_ points directly at this. The young people Replit wants to hire are not the ones who have accepted that AI will outperform them on tasks. They are the ones who figured out that using AI well is itself a high-leverage skill, one that most experienced professionals are still fumbling through.

The new constraint isn’t your degree or your years of experience. It’s about how ambitious you are, how generative you are, how creative you are, and how well you use the tools in front of you.

Those are not things you need permission to develop. You don’t need a senior title before you’re allowed to be ambitious. You don’t need ten years of experience to be creative with AI. The tools are available right now, and the people learning to use them well are compressing what used to be five-year career trajectories into eighteen months.

That’s what _agentmaxxing_ looks like in practice.

## **What This Actually Asks of You**

It’s easy to read “golden era” and hear hype. So be precise about what this moment actually requires.

It requires you to stop waiting for a job description that matches your degree and start building things before anyone asks you to.

It requires you to treat AI agents not as a crutch but as infrastructure, the same way earlier generations treated spreadsheets or search engines.

It requires you to get comfortable sitting at the intersection of disciplines that used to stay separate.

Design a little. Write a little. Ship a little. Then use agents to handle the mechanics while you move on to the next thing.

The people doing this well aren’t geniuses. They’re just not afraid of the tools.

## **The Optimism is Earned**

![Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/0*SROjx3vk894rJThc "Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash")

There’s a version of “AI is exciting” that’s empty. It’s the kind that shows up in conference keynotes and LinkedIn posts from people who have nothing at stake.

This is not that.

Amjad Masad built a product that sits at the exact intersection of coding and accessibility. He watches new grads walk in and outperform people with far more experience, not because the new grads know more, but because they move differently. They don’t carry the assumption that one skill is enough. They reach for the tools, stack them, and ship.

He’s not speculating about what’s possible. He’s recruiting it.

The doom and gloom narrative about AI and young workers treats capability as fixed. It assumes that if your narrow skill gets automated, you’re done. But capability was never the thing that mattered most. It was always about how much you could get done, how fast, and how well.

AI just made “how much you can get done” a much larger number for anyone willing to find out.

You’re not competing against AI. You’re not competing against experience. You’re competing against the version of yourself that’s still waiting for permission to start.

**Agentmaxx**. The era is genuinely golden, but only for the ones who grab it.

* * *

_Speaking of tools that help you move faster:_ [_VideoTranslatorAI’s_](https://agent.videotranslator.ai/) _meeting agent transcribes, interprets, and summarises your meetings in real time, so you walk out with clarity instead of a page of notes you’ll never reread._

_Worth a look if you’re serious about agentmaxxing your own workflow._

Agentmaxxing Can Be Your Best Career Move This Decade

Agentmaxxing Can Be Your Best Career Move This Decade - Tat Banerjee

In an increasingly globalized world, the power of language cannot be overstated. 

It can connect people, bridge cultural divides, and open doors to new opportunities. However, the diversity of languages can sometimes pose challenges, especially when it comes to sharing and understanding visual content. That's where VideoTranslatorAI steps in, revolutionizing the way language barriers are overcome in the realm of video translation. 

Recently, VideoTranslatorAI had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Backroad Pictures, an acclaimed production company, to provide translations for their captivating footage '[Chasing The Bono](https://riversarelife.com/hero-overview-chasing-the-bono/)'. 

In this blog post, we explore how VideoTranslatorAI is both amazed and excited about the intricacies of translating diverse languages, the importance of language translation, and the invaluable benefits it brings to global communication.

# The Wonders of Multilingualism

One of the most fascinating aspects of working with Backroad Pictures was the exposure to a variety of languages captured in their footage 'Chasing The Bono'. It was truly astounding to witness how a single place can be a melting pot of diverse linguistic expressions. 

![Chasing The Bono - Film by Backroads Picture](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/b4cbf9b5d037f426164fdcdd68f6150c39212d6170d65598ee73608aabf98d80.webp)

VideoTranslatorAI marvelled at the inherent beauty and richness of linguistic diversity, recognizing the need to preserve and promote this diversity through accurate and accessible translations.

# The Benefits of Video Translation: 

Language translation plays a pivotal role in fostering global understanding and promoting inclusivity. With an estimated 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, language barriers can hinder effective communication and limit the reach of creative content. 

So what are the benefits of video translation?

## 1 - Amplifies the impact and reach of visual content

Firstly, it amplifies the impact and reach of visual content, enabling it to resonate with a global audience. 

By removing language barriers, VideoTranslatorAI empowers filmmakers, storytellers, and content creators to share their narratives on an international scale, transcending borders and cultures. 

In the entertainment industry, video translation has become increasingly vital, as it brings foreign films and TV shows to global audiences, exposing viewers to different cultures and promoting diversity in media.

## 2 - Facilitates cultural exchange 

It does not only facilitates cultural exchange but also creates opportunities for collaboration and understanding among diverse communities.

In this case, VideoTranslatorAI allowed viewers to understand the importance of the Kampar River. Preserving the river is both important and difficult.

## 3 - Enhances accessibility in educational settings

It enhances accessibility in educational settings, allowing students to learn from foreign documentaries or lectures while utilizing subtitles.

## 4 - Conveying global communication

In the realm of business, it enables multinational corporations to communicate their message effectively to clients and customers around the world, fostering stronger international relationships. 

# Conclusion

The collaboration between VideoTranslatorAI and Backroad Pictures exemplifies the power of language translation in breaking down barriers and fostering global connections.

The immense benefits of video translation, ranging from enhanced accessibility to expanded global reach, are undeniable. As the world becomes more interconnected, VideoTranslatorAI remains committed to empowering communication, unlocking the magic of multilingualism, and enabling a future where language is no longer a barrier to understanding.

Find out more about Chasing The Bono [read the full source](https://riversarelife.com/hero-overview-chasing-the-bono/)!

VideoTranslatorAI Translates Backroads Picture Masterpiece: Why Is Movie Translation Important?

VideoTranslatorAI translated Backroad Picture's masterpiece 'Chasing The Bono'. Find out why movie translation is important.

In today's interconnected world, effective communication plays a critical role in emergency situations. However, language barriers often hinder efficient information exchange, potentially delaying response times and jeopardizing lives.

Recognizing this challenge, VideoTranslator AI, working with Mel Taylor and Kiwako Ito, has launched Project Trusted Lingo, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering emergency services professionals with the ability to translate emergency communications into 20+ languages. 

As a testament to its significance, VideoTranslator AI's poster submission has been accepted at the prestigious [AFAC conference](https://www.afacconference.com.au/the-conferences), where industry experts will gather to explore cutting-edge advancements in emergency services.

## Collaborative Expertise
At the heart of Project Trusted Lingo lies collaboration. VideoTranslator AI has partnered with [Mel Taylor](https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/mel-taylor-2), an esteemed emergency communications expert from Macquarie University. With her extensive experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by emergency services communications professionals, Mel brings invaluable insights to the project. Additionally, the collaboration extends to [Kiwako Ito](https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/kiwako-ito), a linguistics professor from the University of Newcastle. Kiwako's expertise in language analysis and translation further enriches the project's capabilities.

## Empowering Emergency Services Professionals
Project Trusted Lingo aims to revolutionize emergency services communications by bridging the language gap and providing accurate real-time translation support. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, VideoTranslator AI is developing a user-friendly platform that emergency services professionals can rely on during critical operations.

The platform will enable instant, accurate translation of emergency communications, ensuring that vital information is conveyed in the native languages of individuals involved. Check out our poster submission!

![large_trusted_lingo_v6_fef74286b5.webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/321e583d9d1dfdf29eb836966183c1f04ef886a7d87fa09186a24ccbd200962e.webp)

## Benefits and Impact
The implications of [Project Trusted Lingo](https://videotranslator.ai/blog/inclusive-and-effective-the-power-of-local-information-champions-in-emergency-services/) are far-reaching. By equipping emergency services professionals with the ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages, response times can be significantly reduced, leading to more efficient emergency management.

Timely and accurate translations will also improve the overall coordination between international agencies during joint operations, enhancing interoperability, collaboration and fostering a global approach to emergency services communications.

## The AFAC Conference
The acceptance of VideoTranslator AI's poster submission at the AFAC conference highlights the industry's recognition of the project's significance. The conference, known for bringing together experts and professionals from the emergency services sector, serves as an ideal platform to showcase this potential advancement in emergency communications capability.

Mel Taylor will be at the event to talk about the work to an audience of emergency services professionals, providing valuable insights into the project's development and its potential impact on the field.

## Reach Out And Collaborate
As Project Trusted Lingo continues to progress, the team remains committed to refining and enhancing the platform's capabilities. Feedback and insights gathered from emergency services professionals at the AFAC conference will be invaluable in shaping the future direction of the project.

By fostering ongoing collaborations and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we aim to empower emergency services professionals worldwide with the tools they need to overcome language barriers and save lives. This means we are very keen to hear from professionals who are interested! Say hello to [Mel Taylor](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-taylor-01a4ba2a/) at the conference, reach out via email ([safety@videotranslator.ai](mailto:safety@videotranslator.ai)) or scan the QR code at the event!

## Conclusion
Project Trusted Lingo represents a significant leap forward in emergency services communications. With its ambitious goal of providing trusted real-time translation support in over 20 languages, VideoTranslator AI is poised to revolutionize the way emergency services professionals communicate and collaborate with CALD communities.

The acceptance of our poster submission at the AFAC conference not only validates the project's importance but also opens doors for further collaboration and industry recognition. Together, VideoTranslator AI, Mel Taylor, Kiwako Ito, and the global emergency services community are working towards a safer and more connected world.

Our Trusted Lingo Poster Was Accepted At AFAC '23!

Our poster on Project Trusted Lingo was accepted at the AFAC Conference. Learn more about our work and say hello to Mel Taylor at the event!

In the era of rapid technological advancements, education has embraced the digital age to provide accessible and innovative learning opportunities. Global Humanistic University (GHU), a pioneering online institution committed to transforming higher education, has embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with VideoTranslatorAI.

This collaboration aims to develop an AI-focused MBA program and expand GHU's reach by providing multilingual educational resources. As a testament to the shared vision, Tat Banerjee, the CEO of VideoTranslatorAI, has been appointed as the Dean of AI at GHU. This blog post unveils the exciting details of this collaboration, highlighting GHU's vision, the agreement's key objectives, and the anticipated timeline for delivering the transformative AI modules.

## Revolutionizing Online Education
[Global Humanistic University (GHU)](https://www.ghu.edu.ai/) stands at the forefront of the digital education revolution. As a fully integrated online university, GHU envisions a world where education transcends geographical boundaries, empowering students from diverse backgrounds to access quality education.

![large_GHU_Logo_2feba7d23b.webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/d147f01305308ec929f599e5cf797fb2239dad9a333e4d175a6f74ef1bc63bc1.webp)

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and pedagogical innovations, GHU is committed to providing flexible, immersive, and intellectually stimulating learning experiences.

## The GHU and VideoTranslatorAI Agreement
The partnership between GHU and VideoTranslatorAI heralds a new chapter in AI education. The core objectives of this agreement are threefold.

## Development of AI-focused MBA Modules
GHU and VideoTranslatorAI will collaborate on the development of nine comprehensive modules for an AI-focused MBA program. These modules will encompass essential topics ranging from machine learning and data analytics to ethical considerations and AI strategy. By incorporating these modules into GHU's curriculum, students will gain a deep understanding of AI's transformative potential and its application across various industries.

## Multilingual Education
VideoTranslatorAI's expertise in translation technology will play a pivotal role in expanding GHU's global reach. The agreement stipulates the ongoing translation of the AI modules into multiple languages, making them accessible to a diverse range of students worldwide. This commitment to inclusivity will foster a truly international learning community and democratize AI education.

## Corporate Training and Consultancy
In addition to the MBA program, VideoTranslatorAI will collaborate with GHU to develop AI-related training materials for short-form courses catering to corporate and consultancy clients. This aspect of the agreement will enable professionals to upskill and stay abreast of AI advancements, equipping them with the knowledge needed to navigate the AI-driven business landscape.
## 
Tat Banerjee Appointed Dean of AI at GHU
Tat Banerjee, MD at VideoTranslatorAI, has been appointed as the [Dean of AI at GHU](https://www.ghu.edu.ai/artificial-intelligence). This strategic move consolidates the partnership's synergy, as Tat Banerjee's deep understanding of AI, coupled with GHU's commitment to excellence, will spearhead the development of transformative AI education. Under Tat Banerjee's leadership, GHU's AI faculty will curate cutting-edge curricula, leverage advanced teaching methodologies, and foster a vibrant academic community.
## 
Timeline for Delivery
The GHU-VideoTranslatorAI collaboration has set an ambitious timeline for the development and delivery of the AI modules. The first three modules are slated for completion by the end of 2023, with plans to deliver them to students in early 2024. Subsequent modules will be developed and introduced in a phased manner, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive AI curriculum that reflects the dynamic nature of the field.

## Conclusion
The partnership between GHU and VideoTranslatorAI represents a significant milestone in AI education and online learning. Through the development of an AI-focused MBA program, the translation of modules into multiple languages, and the provision of training materials for professionals, this collaboration aims to democratize access to AI education and empower individuals and organizations to thrive in an AI-driven world.

With Tat Banerjee at the helm as the Dean of AI, GHU is poised to become a pioneering institution that harnesses the power of technology to reshape education, foster innovation, and prepare future leaders for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

VideoTranslatorAI and Global Humanistic University Collaborate to Revolutionize AI Education

Global Humanistic University and VideoTranslatorAI are partnering on AI education. Explore the objectives and delivery plan on this exciting partnership.

In a recent guest lecture at the University of Newcastle, our CEO had the opportunity to share insights into the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in the field of transcription and translation.

Organised by Kiwako Ito, the Director of Lab for Applied Language Science and Course Convener for the Master's of Translation Studies, the lecture captivated students pursuing bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. studies in translation.

This blog post aims to provide a summary of the lecture, highlighting key points and shedding light on the potential of AI in the translation industry.

Additionally, we created a sample that demonstrates the switching between English and Japanese in both subtitles and voice.

<iframe width="1236" height="695" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8lc4QH8Pndo" title="Guest Lecture (Sample) - Tat Banerjee at University of Newcastle" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## **The Power of Large Language Models and Transformer Architecture**

The lecture began by emphasising the significance of large language models and transformer architecture in driving advancements in AI technology. Students were introduced to the underlying principles of these models and how they have revolutionised natural language processing tasks, including translation.

Examples such as OpenAI's GPT-3 and its capabilities were explored, showcasing the ability of AI to generate human-like text.

## **Generative AI: Exploring Text, Image, and Music**

The lecture then delved into various examples of generative AI, showcasing its potential across different mediums. Students witnessed how AI models can generate coherent and contextually relevant text, create realistic images, and even compose unique pieces of music.

These demonstrations aimed to inspire students and ignite their imaginations regarding the future possibilities and creative applications of AI technology.

## **AI Ethics and Managing Customer Expectations**

Recognizing the growing influence of AI in various industries, the lecture addressed the crucial topic of AI ethics. Discussions centred around the ethical considerations and responsibilities that accompany the development and deployment of AI systems.

Students were encouraged to explore the ethical implications of AI technology, including bias, privacy concerns, and the potential displacement of human translators. Managing customer expectations in an AI-driven world was also highlighted, emphasising the importance of transparent communication and setting realistic goals for AI-assisted translation.

## **Unveiling a New Product: Custom AI Training for Professional Translators**

The lecture concluded with an exciting demonstration of a new product our company is releasing. This innovative tool enables professional translators to train an AI model based on their specific dictionaries and expertise.

By personalising the AI training process, translators can enhance their productivity and accuracy while maintaining the human touch in their work. This hands-on demonstration left students inspired and intrigued by the possibilities of AI and its potential to augment their translation skills.

## **Conclusion**

The guest lecture at the University of Newcastle provided an insightful exploration of AI's transformative impact on the field of translation.

From large language models and generative AI to discussions on AI ethics and managing customer expectations, students gained valuable insights into the future of translation.

The introduction of a new product that allows professional translators to train AI models tailored to their specific needs further emphasised the symbiotic relationship between human translators and AI technology.

As the translation industry continues to evolve, embracing the potential of AI will undoubtedly pave the way for enhanced productivity and improved language services.

Exploring the Future of Translation At UON: AI and Its Transformative Impact

Discover the transformative power of AI in translation! Our CEO was invited to a guest lecture at the University of Newcastle!

In times of crisis, effective communication plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals. However, when it comes to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, language barriers can pose significant challenges during emergencies.

Recent examples, for example [read the full source](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-01/vic-emergency-app-only-in-english-investment-in-translation/12710414), and [read the full source](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-22/multicultural-community-victorian-flood-crisis/101550828), have profiled in the media about this challenge.

![Multicultural communities need to be part of victoria's flood emergency plans](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/1e70708367e20edb000cd90d3d146b903094bbff982fc38176d45499e307e16a.webp)
**Multicultural communities need to be part of Victoria's flood emergency plans, leaders say.**

To address this issue, the concept of local information champions has emerged as a powerful solution. 

![Calls to make bushfire warnings easier to access for Victorians who don't speak English at home..webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/3a9d29a1ac719f12d213a6d1dd4ab016d227253fb7adcd5a09ed2730bd63593b.webp)
**Calls to make bushfire warnings easier to access for Victorians who don't speak English at home.**

This blog post explores the role of local information champions and their contribution to bridging the communication gap in CALD emergency communications.

## **Understanding CALD Communities and Emergency Communication Challenges**

CALD communities encompass a rich tapestry of cultural and linguistic diversity. While this diversity brings strength, it also presents unique challenges during emergencies.

Language barriers and lack of accessible information can hinder effective communication between emergency services and CALD communities.

Consequently, vital instructions, warnings, and updates may not reach these communities in a timely and comprehensible manner, potentially jeopardizing their safety.

## **Introducing the Proposed Product: Trusted Lingo**

To overcome these challenges, project Trusted Lingo aims to provide translated versions of emergency communications specifically tailored for CALD communities.

By leveraging this product, emergency services can ensure that information is accurately translated into the languages spoken within these communities. This not only facilitates understanding but also enables CALD individuals to make informed decisions during critical moments.

Read more about Trusted Lingo [read the full source](https://videotranslator.ai/blog/trusted-lingo-a-new-approach-to-cald-communications/).

## **The Role of Local Information Champions**

At the heart of this solution are local information champions. These individuals are community leaders who possess in-depth knowledge of the CALD communities they represent.

They act as trusted intermediaries between emergency services and the communities they serve, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps. Local information champions bring a unique blend of cultural understanding, linguistic expertise, and community trust to facilitate effective communication.

Local information champions serve as advocates for their communities during emergencies. They are well-versed in the needs, values, and communication preferences of the CALD communities they represent.

By engaging local information champions, emergency services can tap into their expertise to ensure that emergency communications are culturally sensitive, linguistically accurate, and relevant to the target audience.

## **The Workflow and Interaction Process**

The workflow of this proposed solution involves direct interaction between emergency services and local information champions.

When emergency communications need to be communicated to CALD communities, emergency service providers can use Trusted Lingo to accurately translate the emergency communications into 20 languages in real time.

Then, local information champions can quickly disseminate the translated communications within the CALD communities through their established networks and communication channels \- primarily forwarding on the communications via social media groups / channels.

## **Benefits and Impact**

Implementing this proposed solution has several benefits and impacts.

Firstly, it saves precious time during emergencies by enabling swift translation into all major languages used in NSW. This timeliness can prevent confusion, reduce risks, and save lives.

Secondly, the involvement of local information champions enhances the dissemination of translations. This ensures that emergency communications resonate with CALD communities, fostering trust and engagement.

Moreover, by recognizing and empowering local information champions, this solution promotes community resilience. It acknowledges the expertise and leadership within CALD communities and strengthens their capacity to respond effectively during crises.

Through this collaborative approach, emergency services and CALD communities build a strong partnership that fosters mutual understanding, respect, and improved emergency communication.

## **Conclusion**

In a diverse society, effective emergency communication must reach every individual, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. Local information champions play a pivotal role in bridging the communication gap between emergency services and CALD communities.

By recognising their expertise and involving them in the process, translated emergency communications can be accurately and swiftly disseminated, ensuring the safety and well-being of CALD individuals during crises.

Inclusive and Effective: The Power of Local Information Champions in Emergency Services

Discover how local information champions empower CALD communities by facilitating translated emergency communications for effective crisis response.

In the pursuit of turning adversity into opportunity, our recent experience with the [Bushfire Commercialisation Fund](https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/rdnsw/bushfire-response-rd-mission/bushfire-commercialisation-fund), administered by the New South Wales (NSW) government, has been a testament to resilience and the power of positive feedback.

Despite an unsuccessful outcome, our competitive application and the valuable feedback received have instilled hope and renewed determination within our team.

We'd like to sincerely thank [NSSN](https://www.nssn.org.au/), [Macquarie University](https://www.mq.edu.au/) and the [University of Newcastle](https://www.newcastle.edu.au/) for their time, patience and being super supportive of our efforts!

## The Promise of the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund
![large_bcf_1_4fad91328e.webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/fb8e8a842e1f331c2dd104e55f0892eb635ab0129ec100eb51cc17e4b1ecf807.webp)

The Bushfire Commercialisation Fund was established by the NSW government with the aim of supporting innovative projects and initiatives that could contribute to bushfire recovery and mitigation efforts. Recognizing the potential of this funding opportunity, we enthusiastically embarked on the application process, eager to make a difference.

## The Competitive Application
<iframe width="864" height="486" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j1ldMkzZFXA" title="Project Trusted Lingo Proposal" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Our team invested significant time, effort, and expertise in crafting a compelling application. We meticulously outlined our innovative solution, which aimed to enhance bushfire detection and response mechanisms, mitigate risks, and protect communities in vulnerable areas.

We presented a comprehensive business plan, showcasing the viability and long-term sustainability of our project. Our application truly reflected our passion and commitment to addressing the challenges posed by bushfires.

## The Power of Positive Feedback
Although we did not secure the grant, the feedback we received from the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund was highly encouraging.

It highlighted the strengths of our application, acknowledging the depth of our research, the robustness of our proposed solution, and the potential impact it could have in mitigating bushfire risks.

Such positive feedback reaffirmed our belief in the value and relevance of our project, providing a much-needed boost to our team's morale.

Also, we'd like to give a big shout out to the [Bushfire Response R&D Mission at Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer](https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/rdnsw/bushfire-response-rd-mission). The managers there were really helpful and took the time to jump on a videoconference and walk us through the committee feedback.

For anyone reading this, always ask for feedback! 

## Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
In every setback lies an opportunity for growth. Our experience with the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund taught us valuable lessons that will shape our future endeavours. Firstly, it reinforced the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. We recognized that setbacks are an inherent part of the innovation process and should not deter us from pursuing our goals.

Secondly, the feedback we received served as a valuable roadmap for further refinement and improvement. We carefully analysed the suggestions provided and identified areas where we could enhance our application, strengthen our project's impact, and align more closely with the grant's objectives. 

The point is not necessarily that the feedback is a reflection of our strengths and weaknesses. It may be that, but in our case, we found it to be a mix of gaps in our capability, and gaps in the submission where we did not demonstrate our capabilities in the best way possible. 

This feedback will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing efforts to secure alternative sources of funding and partnerships.

## Conclusion
Our journey with the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund may not have resulted in a successful grant, but it was a significant milestone in our pursuit of making a positive impact.

The feedback received has further fuelled our determination to refine our project, seek additional funding avenues, and continue working towards enhancing bushfire detection and response capabilities.

Through resilience, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of our vision, we are confident that we can contribute to the ongoing efforts in bushfire recovery and mitigation.

We very much still think our product has much to offer the resilience community and are committed to making it work!


Embracing Resilience: Our Journey With the Forest Fire Commercialization Fund

Our journey with the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund, the power of positive feedback, and our next steps. #bushfiremitigation #resilience

Embracing Resilience: Our Journey with the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government’s international trade promotion and investment attraction agency.

Austrade’s Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program helps Australian businesses grow their exports in international markets, primarily via [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.austrade.gov.au/australian/export/free-trade-agreements).

Recently, Round 2 of the EMDG program closed, and with it, we have the chance to look at some of the statistics Austrade published, about who is exporting and where to \- which we at VideoTranslator are super interested in\!

Why are we interested? Because many of our prospects/clients use this program to fund their outreach into markets across APAC\!

## **EMDG 2021 (Round 1\) \- Statistics**

For context, the [basic statistics for Round 1 of the EMDG](https://www.austrade.gov.au/australian/export/export-market-development-grants/research-and-reporting/round-1-key-statistics/emdg-round-1-key-statistics) scheme were as follows:

* 5,384 applications were submitted  
* Applications by State/territory are:  
  * 66 in the ACT (1.2%)  
  * 2,154 in NSW (40%)  
  * 8 in the NT (0.1%)  
  * 875 in Qld (16.3%)  
  * 310 in SA (5.8%)  
  * 41 in Tas (0.8%)  
  * 1,505 in Vic (28.0%)  
  * 425 in WA (7.8%)

More importantly, when we look at the same numbers by category, we get the below.

![EMDG Round 1_ Product Category](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/954b628f8487bbe95b606dfdc10fc7b7082a032395f2c62039ef0588ab3b7c1c.webp)

The source data used is below \- and what is interesting is (a) services, and especially value-added services exports make up about the same as goods exports, and (b) tourism exports are very low.

![EMDG Round 1_Applications by product category](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/74b0e0a3dab4e66270ee3c1eb1ff6fb819110fe13b2b90dedc8b69ed8da952b0.webp)

The first stat makes sense, but the second is a bit puzzling and we don’t fully understand why this would be the case.

## **EMDG 2021 (Round 1\) \- Top Markets**

The top 10 markets for EMDG 2021  
 
![EMDG Round 1_Top Market.webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/286e3f19c526add28292ef88e3cca79120662a4ba63d2afca2371036deade357.webp)

That is a pretty interesting graph. The way to read this graph is that exporters tend to export to more than one market, **so it doubles up**.

As in 46.7% of exporters were looking to export to the USA, so the point of the pie chart is to show that the majority of exports are going to the Anglosphere \- not that \~27% is going to the USA.

What does this graph tell us?

* Firstly, since the USA is such a big market, maybe invest in Spanish as your second language.  
* Secondly, if you export to both France and Canada, maybe French would work for you as well.  
* Third, Singapore, China and HK \- the slice next to India where the label has mysteriously disappeared \- all have sizeable Chinese-speaking populations, so maybe content creation in Chinese is a good plan.  
* Lastly, you are probably better off focusing on German, as opposed to Hindi \- because India has many languages \- so the per language ROI is probably lesser in India.

## **EMDG 2022 (Round 2\)**

The second round just finished, so there is still limited data.

![EMDG Round 2_Applications by product category.webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/3cda8deff5cf7fd1d0547452f9909d8241797dbbbecc97e063ba897ea31af46a.webp)

Some observations:

* Tourism has doubled, which makes sense \- it may have been depressed as a lingering after-effect of Covid 19\.  
* Services generally have increased, which makes sense as Covid related disruptions come to an end.

Outside of that, we are waiting on more information to become available.

## **Summary**

First off, shout out to AusTrade for taking the time to put these statistics together. Any errors or misunderstanding regarding what the data means is wholly on our side.

We did not reach out to AusTrade, this blog post is simply commentary, and should only be relied on to the extent that it gives an indication of what we think is happening.

Also \- so some of the recommendations are tongue in cheek because this will vary hugely depending on exactly what you are selling.

But…

If you already have the infrastructure in place to sell to a specific country, adding content creation via video translation is probably a decent strategy to get you additional ROI on both existing and new content spending.

Reach out if we can help\!

What Is EMDG Telling Us About Australian Exporters?

Austrade’s Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program helps Australian businesses grow exports. Find out what the stats from this program mean! 

VideoTranslator's efforts to build a solution in the emergency services space were recently profiled by [Asia Pacific Fire Magazine](https://apfmag.com/trusted-lingo-a-new-approach-to-cald-communications/), and we are very grateful for the opportunity to tell our story!

We'd love for you to check out the story, but here is a quick summary of the proposed 'Project Trusted Lingo'.

![Trusted Lingo envisages a three-step solution to inclusive communications at scale](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/6e65584a9a4e51262cd2084981a1d932721ae9c45c74c2014cf17f58b7e90a0d.webp)

Trusted Lingo is an innovative project aimed at addressing the communication challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities during emergencies in Australia. The project proposes a custom AI solution that enables real-time translation of emergency broadcasts into over 20 languages. By bridging the language gap, Trusted Lingo aims to enhance the safety and understanding of CALD populations, ensuring inclusive and effective communication during crisis situations.

Effective communication is crucial during emergencies to protect lives and property. However, breakdowns in communication can lead to incomplete evacuations, trapped individuals, and even fatalities. Research shows that people with language barriers are slower to process messages not in their native language, making them particularly vulnerable during crises. In Australia, with approximately 7 million people speaking a language other than English at home, a significant portion of the population is at risk of failing to understand crucial instructions during natural hazards.

![Trusted Lingo's focal point is the effective communication to 'local information champions'](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/ac7134d8fa166194117f9c64d316c3c5c55afd6272817ca8387660f6f57c738b.webp)

Trusted Lingo aims to address this problem by providing a reliable solution that transcends language barriers. The project is a collaborative effort between VideoTranslator, Macquarie University, and the University of Newcastle. The proposed AI solution will offer real-time translation of audio, video, and text emergency broadcasts into multiple languages. It will utilize notification services to disseminate the translated content through different social media networks, targeting specific CALD communities.

The project's approach includes designating "local information champions" within the CALD communities, such as community organizations and social media groups. These champions will receive fully translated audio, video, and text communications minutes after emergency broadcasts occur, ensuring timely and accurate information reaches those who need it most. By involving local language-specific organizations, Trusted Lingo aims to enhance the effectiveness of emergency services' communication efforts.

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of translations, Trusted Lingo will develop glossaries of emergency services terminology, geographical names, and accurate translations. These glossaries will be used to test transcription and translation accuracy of emergency broadcasts, creating a library of reference material to train the AI continuously. The project also emphasizes the need to frame issues and solutions in a culturally appropriate way, understanding the differences between spoken and written languages.

In addition to translation capabilities, Trusted Lingo recognizes the importance of assessing the efficacy and engagement of end-users within CALD communities. The University of Newcastle's Lab for Applied Language Science will conduct research to evaluate the level of attention, comprehension, and digital trust among users of the proposed system. This assessment will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of different communication methods, such as audio versus text, and guide future improvements.

![In development, what Trusted Lingo's interface will look like for triggering SMS notifications at scale.](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/3f9b096e1df1d2d0e43d994c72cc75680fadba9b027af702f1393cf4e5b9fb89.webp)

The success of Trusted Lingo relies on collaboration with emergency services and stakeholders in the field. The project invites expressions of interest from crisis communications practitioners, community engagement service members, and individuals engaged in coordination tasks during natural hazards. By involving these stakeholders, the project aims to ensure that the solution meets the rigorous requirements of emergency services and is tailored to their specific needs.

Trusted Lingo envisions a simple web application deployed at crisis communications centre's, enabling easy upload of audio or video files for automatic transcription and translation. The solution will generate multiple files with translated captions and the option for voiceovers, catering to different language needs. These language-specific videos will be automatically shared with pre-identified local information champions via social media channels, allowing for quick and widespread dissemination of critical information.

In conclusion, Trusted Lingo strives to create an accurate, cost-effective, and inclusive emergency communication system for today's diverse society. By leveraging AI technology and collaboration, it aims to break language barriers, ensure the safety of CALD populations, and improve overall emergency response and preparedness.

File Download: [Asia Pacific Magazine - Trusted Lingo.pdf](https://vt-website-prod.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/APF_84_Banerjee_v2_a5f0d42394.pdf)

Trusted Lingo – A New Approach To CALD Communications

Trusted Lingo is an AI system that translates emergency broadcasts into 20+ languages instantly, ensuring everyone stays informed

As a company, VideoTranslator has evolved, learned, and grown over the past several years. With these changes in mind, we think it is also time to do some transformations with our branding.

## **Background**

We started the company, QBL Media, all the way back in 2014\. However, work only started in 2017\. The app which would become the current VideoTranslator App was started in 2018\.

By 2019, we soft-launched the app. Over the next 3 years, our VideoTranslator app got over 10,000 signed-up users, and hundreds of hours of video content transcribed, translated and dubbed \- note, including both our efforts and clients who used the app.

Internally, we went from a single founder and outsourced developer in India to a 5 man team across Australia and India. We went from being a single room in a client’s office to having our own little 4 desk setup.

Earlier this year, we started working on a new version of the app. This process made us realize that we did not have a clear brand guideline that defined our visual style and who we are as an AI company.

## **Our Original Branding**

Originally, this is the logo that we used for our branding.![2.webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/cacf87ab0098de2453d607ebf6417ed6f64bab8a711ee8a90423732f9f4775c5.webp)

It is a mixture of a human and a robot \- in line with our vision that an AI is not there to replace humans but rather to make our jobs easier. The font we mainly use is Montserrat.

Other than that, there wasn’t really a standardise brand styling that we used.

## **VideoTranslatorAI’s New Branding**

Around the second quarter of the year, we contacted a very talented designer, [Jasmine Lo](https://www.behance.net/jasminelyy), to redesign our logo and other visual elements. With Jasmine’s help, we were able to redefine our brand identity.

### **Our brand identity**

**Our mission:** Using language to reach a wider audience.

**Our vision:** Using AI to supercharge content marketing.

**Our tagline:** Speak and be heard \- We believe that it does not matter what language you speak. As long as you speak, your voice and message will be heard by many.

### **VideoTranslatorAI’s new logo**

As we mentioned earlier, our previous logo is a mixture of a human and a robot. After redefining our brand identity, we moved on to redesigning our old logo.

In total, Jasmine made around 11 sketches of our new logo. There were a couple that we really like, but we ended up choosing this one\!![3.webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/4ffaf2c170040bfcc0bfdb8111ef279ca0b3dd094158f506e496dfed117b7b48.webp)

In relation to our brand identity, our logo has these meanings:

1. It is a stylised rendition of our old logo, merged with sound waves instead.
2. Each person (users) is represented by the circle on the sound wave.
3. We aim to show that even though each soundwave is different, the integration of our AI translation will work hand in hand with the soundwaves and be seen by many.

### **Our brand style**

To make a more standardised brand styling, Jasmine also helped us create the following:

**Brand identity colours**

**Offwhite** \- general base colour

**Purple** \- inspires wisdom, promotes enlightenment, triggers creativity, sense of familiarity with the brand.

**Blue** \- inspires trust, suggests precision, and trustworthiness.

**Green** \- promotes growth, encouraging, a sense of familiarity with the brand.![VideoTranslatorAI Colour Identity](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/9c8bad5f3619530baddc9f9c1b0b24c1cbdf3075f231a5ad99e0bb6172f177dd.webp)

**Identity typeface**

Previously, we used the font Montserrat for our branding. After Jasmine’s rendition, we are now using Poppins as our typeface.

**Brand graphics**

We hope to connect with people through a simple translation. The circles are meant to represent the people we aim to touch.![VideoTranslatorAI Brand Graphic](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/e54b25f202733da03bc4a88a52c9b15f7cb4e7b9333441a0b3bf4d239a0a1958.webp)

## **Conclusion**

Massive shoutout to Jasmine for making all these happen\!

What do you think of our new branding?

If you have questions, [try our product now](https://agent.videotranslator.ai/chat).


We contacted a very talented designer, Jasmine Lo, to redesign our logo and other visual elements. tes

VideoTranslatorAI's New Branding 

NSW Small Business Month is running this November and VideoTranslatorAi is a collaboration partner!

Join us and thousands of small businesses participating in the sixth NSW Small Business Month. There are hundreds of activities to choose from for small businesses in New South Wales. Learn about building your supply chain, leading your team, leveraging collaboration opportunities, diving into the latest social media trend for your small business, and many more!

Events are available online and face-to-face across New South Wales. It’s easy and free to take part in. Check out www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au to find the event for you!

Let’s Connect for Success this #NSWSmallBizMonth.

Connect for success with NSW Small Business Month

NSW Small Business Month is running this November and VideoTranslatorAi is part of it!

We Are Participating in NSW Small Business Month 2022

### **Background**

During an emergency, multicultural families in Australia can be badly affected.

For example, during the recent flooding, a Syrian family in Victoria felt like they were forgotten.

“[Mohammad Tajer, the father, decided to call triple 0 and state emergency services to request an evacuation, but could not understand the person on the other end of the line because he does not speak English fluently.](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-22/multicultural-community-victorian-flood-crisis/101550828)”

In fact, it wasn’t the first time that the issue arose. After the 2019-20 bushfires occurred, there is a [call for the Victorian Government to make bushfire information more accessible to non-English speakers in time for the summer fire season](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-01/vic-emergency-app-only-in-english-investment-in-translation/12710414).

“Recorded video and audio translations of emergency information by a community leader or interpreter worked best for my community because ours was primarily a spoken language,” said Amina Khatun.

Aside from emergency broadcasts, volunteers also find difficulties in understanding what people at the flood relief center need.

These are just *some* examples of communication issues during an emergency.

### **The Challenge**

Australia has 7 million people who self-identified as speaking a language other than English at home. Of these, about 750,000 speak no or little English, and as many as about 2 million have average language skills.

But does this mean that they cannot understand simple instructions? We all know immigrants who speak good English, is this a real problem?

The final report from the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements said, ‘All governments need to continue working together to ensure that the system … uses the best available technology to improve the communication of warnings across Australia, including to … people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.’

Additional research from the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre on building inclusive partnerships with CALD communities also called attention to, (a) concepts that might not be understood, such as ‘bushfire survival plan’, (b) framing issues and solutions in a culturally appropriate way, and © differences between spoken and written languages.

In effect, we think somewhere between 5%-15% of the population may find themselves in a sticky situation during a natural hazard because they could not understand instructions under duress during a natural hazard scenario – **this is a big problem.**

So, how can we quickly translate emergency broadcasts for multicultural communities so they can access the appropriate information?

### **Our Solution**

The solution is a custom Artificial Intelligence solution, which will in real-time translate audio, video, and text emergency broadcasts into 20+ languages.![VideoTranslatorAI Multilingual Service.webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/84377415993c1aa990a556abdbb34b71d4c672a2984a506e49e82d160a698742.webp)

### **How Real-Time Video Translation Works**

First, you will have to create the original audio, video or text emergency broadcast. In this case, it’s in English.

Let’s take a look at the example below. This video is originally made in English.

<iframe width="1236" height="731" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w1vx2P96MQw" title="Scandinavian Flags By Flag Monkey" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Next, the media will be translated into the target languages. Yes, including the audio\!

The video sample you watched earlier is translated into Swedish\!

<iframe width="1200" height="731" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1FvK1LzLp74" title="Scandinavian Flags by Flag Monkey (Swedish)" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And that’s it\! Now it can be shared with various communities.

### **Summary**

The purpose is to ensure that these multicultural communities have access to the same information as English-speaking communities.

Have a question or need a custom AI task?

If you have questions, [try our product now](https://agent.videotranslator.ai/chat).

### **References**

1. ABS Census of Population and Housing, Cultural diversity data summary, 2021 – Table 5
2. ABS Census of Population and Housing, Cultural diversity data summary, 2021 – Table 6
3. Royal Commission Report \- [The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements Report | Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements](https://naturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/royal-commission-national-natural-disaster-arrangements-report)
4. Bushfire & Natural Hazards CRC, 2021 \- [building\_inclusive\_partnerships\_with\_cald\_communities\_2021\_0.pdf (bnhcrc.com.au)](https://www.bnhcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/managed/downloads/building_inclusive_partnerships_with_cald_communities_2021_0.pdf), Page 10

How VideoTranslatorAI Helps Multicultural Communities In Emergencies

VideoTranslatorAI helps multicultural communities by translating audio, video, and text emergency broadcasts into 120+ languages.

Here at VideoTranslator, we have been busy. Busy doing what?

Well, between hustling, building our product, setting up processes, and building a business the hard way \- we had an excellent idea.

Why don’t we speak to some people who have done the whole innovation to commercialization thing properly? Ideally, these folks have done it before too, and maybe even have a track record in turning innovation into commercial outcomes.

😃

Of course, we are talking (tongue in cheek) about the good people at [CSIRO](https://www.csiro.au/en/about/We-are-CSIRO).

For our overseas visitors, CSIRO is the apex scientific research organisation in Australia. It has been working in various iterations since 1916, with the modern incarnation of CSIRO being set up in 1949\.

So they have been doing this for a while. Maybe we can learn something from them?

![learnings from CSIRO Innovate To Grow Program](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/ad5035f233e948ceb096bb2f94a88f4e108b36d744a8b9c174fdfc9aab14b9a1.webp)

This blog post is a very brief look at the program, and what VideoTranslator got out of it.

A couple of disclaimers:

* This was our experience, and might not be yours.  
* The program changes, and we were in the Defence stream, which you may or may not be in.  
* Talk to the folks at Innovate To Grow, this blog post is not meant to replace anything they say. It’s just a reflection of our experience (see top bullet\!)

Was Innovate To Grow worth the time/energy/resources we put into it?

Yes.

Ok \- the fine print, this program is well worth the time \- we found it useful, but… doing some pre-work will greatly increase the good stuff you can get out of the program.

Here are some of the things we would have done differently, to get the most out of the program, if we were to do it again.

## **CSIRO Innovate To Grow**

From [the website](https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/Innovate-to-Grow), ‘Innovate to Grow is a free 10-week program coordinated by CSIRO for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who want to progress their R\&D opportunities, or are in the early decision-making stages about engaging in R\&D.’

This is very accurate. It’s what they are trying to actually make happen.

We went into the program via a somewhat circuitous route. Over conversations with other startups, we ended up talking to the folks at [Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group | About | Defence](https://www.defence.gov.au/about/capability-acquisition-sustainment-group).

As we are not a defence contractor, this was all new to us at VideoTranslator. The folks at CASG \- who probably realized working with Defence was new to us, (gently) suggested maybe we want to look into the Innovate To Grow program.

So we signed up, got accepted, and on the basis of a pretty good experience, decided to write a blog post about it\!

![Upcoming course - CSIRO innnovate to grow 2022](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/d404949637f8ea325d5a715c755d96b22e93ca93dbb43a0b9be318c2b923b4d7.webp)

## **How CSIRO’s Innovate To Grow Is Setup**

This is basically an online delivered course. With the tools the team at [Practera](https://practera.com/) provide, this works really quite well.

What CSIRO is trying to do here:

* refine your innovation challenge question  
* assess the viability of your innovation  
* build your business case  
* prepare a strong funding application

So the way to think about this is like so.

You want to have an end product in mind when you go into this program. It was not totally obvious to us, probably because we stumbled on the program in a somewhat circuitous manner.

Luckily, we had something in mind when we did apply, so it was not too bad.

However, go in with a clear idea of the final product you want to develop, and do work in that regard. So clearly:

* It’s a new product or an improvement on what you are already doing. With VideoTranslator we were looking at a different way to use our proprietary tech offering.  
* Have a gap in mind. We fell down a little here because we had not done enough work on what we were thinking about. *You should do more here.*  
* With the gap in your product roadmap, this is what the Innovate to Grow Program will address primarily.  
* How to address the gap \- **the academic resources that CSIRO and other universities bring together** \- accessing this is the value add where Innovate To Grow excels.

## **How CSIRO’s Innovate To Grow Works?**

The program is not too heavy, but like anything else, you get what you put into it.

**The big plus for us was the team of experts they have put together across the entire commercialization lifecycle.**

Again, the course itself is pretty good, and you do learn quite a bit, but the experts are where it is at.

### **Create an innovation challenge and collaborators**

This forces you to think about the gap in your product roadmap \- and turn it into a research question.

Why would you do this?

Because thinking the product gap in terms of an innovation challenge is very helpful to finding, engaging and getting delivery of a solution, from the correct grouping inside academia.

So (speaking as an industry) the product gap is the thing that is missing from our point of view.

From an academic’s point of view, the question is, (a) can I help fix it, (b) who is paying and how much in case we need additional resources, and © what happens to the IP?

The way it works for academia is to take industry engagements, they need funding to cover their costs and those of any associates they require \- think grad students / PhD candidates etc.

On top of this, they have to ensure the university gets a top-up. The point of this is to pay for the consolidated resources of the university \- labs, offices, research institutes etc. This makes sense as soon as you think about it, but it was new to us.

This might be totally obvious to you but wanted to put this out there because it was not obvious to us at the beginning.

### **Build A Business Impact Case**

This section was pretty useful.

In essence, it is a normal DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) model you will be working with.

There are a number of changes specifically put in to illustrate how universities allocate resources.

Once you see it, it makes much more sense. The other major advantage here is that the models get improved over time, so ours included things like the R\&D grant component \- which is only relevant to Australian startups.

That being said, the fact we had not fully fleshed out our proposal came back to bite us a little bit here. If we had done more pre-work, we would probably have found this much more useful, including the bits about risk management.

Things you care about here:

* Refining the innovation statement, i.e. your research question.  
* Work out better who you will talk to in terms of early customers.  
* Scope out the research question, including removing bits that are not relevant.  
* Look at what the action items (approach) and key deliverables could be for the project.  
* Look at the time involved.

All of the above come together in the cash flow model, and the parts about how to include academic resources are very useful here.

You’ll also calculate costs, benefits, ROI, and payback timeframes here. If you have any finance skills, this is pretty straightforward \- instead of modelling debt or equity, you model cash flow from grants and in-kind donations \- easy peasy.

### **Build A Funding Strategy**

Again, it would have been super helpful if our project was more fleshed out prior to this phase of Innovate To Grow.

In fairness, [we have won the MVP grant](https://videotranslator.ai/blog/winning-how-we-won-a-jobsfornsw-mvp-grant/) and [helped a client win the inaugural SBIR](https://www.dandelions.cloud/news/dandelions-has-won-the-sbir-grant-for-1-1m) program, so the feeling was we would be fine.

Yeah…

Clearly, we should have done more here. But anyways, the skinny is this:

* Work out where you are going to fund the project from\!  
* See the above bullet. No \- really.

Ok \- it was not that bad. But the logical point from building a timeline and costing it out \- the high-impact business case \- is how do you then fund the project.

Because we have some experience with working with academia, we should be fine, but if you don’t \- well worth doing some more work on this front.

## **Summary**

If you have not worked with academia before, or have not worked with a range of academic resources before, you should probably put in for this course.

If you do:

* The team is super supportive. Shout out to Prof Tony Watson and Adrian Supetran for looking after us\! We got extensions and feedback, and they did not give us too much grief when assignments were submitted late 😃 many thanks\!  
* The experts are where it is at. Sure, sometimes questions which we don’t care much about are boring, but you pick up lots of things. For instance, the R\&D team at the ATO made an appearance, and it was very useful to hear from them about a program we have benefited from, but from the inside.  
* Do the work. Yes \- it is work, and there are homework assignments. Don’t worry too much about the quality, the best effort is fine and the team is helpful\!

All things being equal, despite having some experience with the content, we would totally recommend you do the course if you are on your own startup journey\!

And say hi to Tony and Adrian from Team VideoTranslator if you see them\!



We Just Completed CSIRO's Innovate To Grow Program

VideoTranslator just completed participation in the CSIRO Innovate To Grow Program.

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Elephant Stripes is a consulting firm that designs, builds, and ships AI products and delivery systems.

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