Definium Technologies CEO named Entrepreneur of the Year

Entrepreneur, software developer and electrical engineer Mike Cruse has been named the 2020 Tasmanian Pearcey Entrepreneur of the Year by the Pearcey Foundation. Cruse is the founder and CEO of Definium Technologies, a Launceston-based company that designs and manufactures IoT devices and electronic products for national and international clients, and owns and operates a state-wide LoRaWAN network in Tasmania to support IoT developments.

Definium currently employs 15 people and operates a pick and place assembly line which enables the Definium team to take projects from concept to fully functioning prototype in 30 days, with all design, manufacturing and software development performed in-house. The company recently designed and manufactured the control system for Gekko Medical’s ‘GeVentor’ ventilator, a device that could help save the lives of COVID-19 patients.

James Riggall, Chair of Pearcey Tasmania, noted that the Pearcey Entrepreneurship Award recognises individuals who have taken risks, made a difference and inspired others.

“Mike strongly believes that Tasmania, and in particular Launceston, can be a place where advanced technology companies can thrive and is intent on proving that to be true. Definium frequently makes time available to support visiting school groups, providing opportunities for local university students to work with them on projects and access their facilities, and seeking opportunities to bring young people into the team,” Riggall said.

After working as a software developer in Melbourne, Cruse moved to Silicon Valley and co-founded a smart grid start-up which raised US$15 million in finding, before being acquired by Cisco.

Cruse started Definium Technologies when he was in the US; the company would take on ‘projects in crisis’ and help clients salvage failed prototypes, resolve reliability issues and project their investment in innovative products.

After bringing the company to Tasmania, Definium Technologies has grown and established an electronics manufacturing and assembly facility in Invermay.

As the Pearcey Tasmania Award recipient, Mike Cruse will represent the state in the National Entrepreneur Awards as a key part of Pearcey’s Annual National Medal and Hall of Fame presentations.

Image credit: Definium Technologies