Dotterel, which was runner-up in Callaghan Innovation’s inaugural C-Prize Challenge for its work in suppressing the noise of drone propellers, is the first New Zealand based company to be signed by leading US technology accelerator Techstars.
Dotterel was born out of the Callaghan C-Prize in 2015 when those in the cinematography industry issued a challenge to participants to develop solutions for issues to do with UAVs.
Founded by three brothers, it uses lightweight propeller shrouds and sound-absorbing acoustic materials to reduce noise pollution and enhance audio, like it’s being experienced from the ground. It doesn’t manufacturer drones itself, but rather licenses the tech to manufacturers.
The company won the NewsShooter Most Innovative Product Award at the National Association of Broadcasters Show 2016 in Las Vegas. This year, it has been selected to be a part of Techstars’ first Asia-Pacific programme, which will be held in Adelaide from July.