2024 Trailblazer Award

Cameron Van Der Berg, is the co-founder and CEO of Infravision, an international startup that revolutionizes power line installation and maintenance using drone technology. His company connects wind and solar power stations to the grid, reducing the need for environmentally damaging methods like tree cutting and close-proximity helicopter operations.

Cameron completed his Bachelor of Engineering (mechanical) at JCU in 2015, co-founding Infravision in 2017. Traditional methods of stringing power lines, which involved bulldozers and helicopters, were harmful to the environment and costly. Infravision's core technology replaces traditional power line stringing methods, which involves bulldozers clearing forests and helicopters pulling wires, with large drones. This drone-based system is not only safer and faster but also more cost-effective, making a significant impact on the global energy industry.

In 2020, Infravision provided unmanned aircraft capability in Papua New Guinea's mountainous terrain. In 2021, they focused on helping Australians access renewable power sources by connecting new solar and wind farms to the Australian grid.

Cameron's leadership has propelled Infravision to become one of the leading companies in its field. Recently, Cameron relocated to the USA to expand Infravision's global footprint. Under his leadership, the company was a finalist in two categories at the 2022 Australia Aviation Awards, recognizing excellence in the Australian aviation industry.

Cameron’s success is a credit to the engineering education he received at JCU. His journey from a student to a trailblazing entrepreneur serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs, demonstrating significant innovation and industry disruption.

Cameron Van Der Berg’s innovative approach and leadership make him a significant change-maker in the field of power line installation and maintenance, with his technology offering safer, faster, and more sustainable solutions for the energy sector.