Argus biometrics eye turns to Saudi success

Award-winning Australian biometrics developer Argus Solutions has signed a deal with Saudi security provider Mowafag Saleh Al-Rushaid.
 
ASX-listed Argus -- which won the NSW Government’s Australian Technology Showcase (ATS) prize this year for the top local technology innovation with export potential – has announced a $220,000 agreement with Riyadh-based Mowafag Saleh Al-Rushaid.

Mowafag Saleh Al-Rushaid is part of Sahara Global Group, which provides advanced technologies to the oil-rich Saudi Arabian government and corporations and has interests across the Middle East.

“The initial deal is worth $220,000, which will form the basis of wider opportunities in government and healthcare security being pursued in Saudi Arabia and the Guld Cooperation Council states,” Argus said in its statement to the ASX.

The distribution and agency agreement would give Mowafag Saleh Al-Rushaid access to Argus’ identity management products.

Argus developed packaged offerings using its proprietary iris recognition software and facial recognition technology, the company said.

Argus targeted the military, government departments and corporations seeking “absolute assurance” of identity for access control purposes.

One example was hospitals, where tight security was needed for dispensing pharmaceuticals and other potentially dangerous substances, Argus said.

Argus beat six finalists, including two other IT companies for the top gong in the recent NSW export incubator awards.

Michael Egan, NSW Treasurer and Minister for State Development, said at the time that Argus had won for its success in growing export deals. It had won a border control contract with the Singapore government, and was exploring further opportunities in Singapore, China, Malaysia, the UK, US and the middle East.

Argus’ patented iris recognition system had netted $600,000 in export sales in two years – a considerable achievement for a new, innovative technology, he said.

“The ATS includes ICT, biotechnology and biometrics but there are also some great technologies in very old-fashioned things,” Egan said then. “We only spend about $2 million a year on the ATS program, but you get really good bang for your buck for money spent innovatively and creatively.”