MIT, Stanford, Twitter… Aussie’s NBN Co and Biarri Networks: What do they have in common?
They are all finalists in the 2014 INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) Franz Edelman Prize. The Prize is the world’s most prestigious recognition for excellence in applying advanced analytics to benefit business and humanitarian outcomes.
So what is NBN Co and Biarri Networks doing up there?
It all started four years ago when the National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) and Biarri Networks joined forces to develop a software program to automate different design networks for the national fibre optic network layout. They called their system FOND — short for Fibre Optic Network Design — and it reminds us a little of the Sims.
FOND generates low-cost fibre network designs that have reduced construction costs by approximately 20 per cent and manual planning time by 80 per cent. Over the lifetime of the NBN project this equates to significant savings – it is no wonder the collaborative venture between NBN Co and Biarri Networks has been considered among one of the most advanced Operations Research projects in the world.
In 42 years of the Edelman prize being awarded only one other Australian business has previously appeared on the shortlist. Joe Forbes, Co-Founder of The Biarri Group and member of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute’s (AMSI) Industry Advisory Committee, is not only excited, but also honoured that this project has been recognised on a global stage.
Forbes said: “We are very proud of the work we are doing with NBN Co and the contribution we can make to such an important national infrastructure project. As an Australian technology start-up it is great to be perched alongside some of the most prominent companies and institutions in the world.”
FOND is an optimisation software program – for the geeks out there the software uses mixed-integer programming, a branch of mathematics used by airlines and logistic companies to solve complex network problems in minutes. For the not-so-geeky FOND allows quick investigations (simulations) of how best to build, distribute and manage the fibre optic roll out.
Paul Kennedy, Biarri Networks CEO, says there is nothing quite like working to solve a problem that hasn’t been solved before. “There is real satisfaction in working with NBN Co on this massive project. Solving real problems. And delivering real benefits,” he said.
The Biarri Group is a regular client of the APR.Intern program – an initiative that helps solve the short-term research needs of Australian businesses through leveraging AMSI’s unique access to young, innovative Australian researchers hidden in AMSI’s member institutions.
AMSI Director, Professor Geoff Prince, said: “The smart way to optimise infrastructure is to incorporate optimality into the design. That’s just what Biarri Networks have done. And AMSI congratulates them in getting onto such a high flying shortlist.”
Resources:
Optimising the future with mathematics – recent article written by Prof. Geoff Prince as part of the AUSTRALIA 2025 series for The Conversation.
Biarri Networks website.
For Interview:
Prof. Geoff Prince, AMSI Director
Joe Forbes, Co-Founder, The Biarri Group
Media Contact:
Stéphanie Pradier
M: 0424 568 314
E: stephanie@amsi.org.au
