Dr Rustom Kanga- iOmniscient
Dr. Rustom Kanga is the co-founder of iOmniscient, a pioneering company in the artificial intelligence industry, specializing in multi-sensory analytics. His unwavering commitment to innovation and societal benefit led him to be recognized with numerous awards and secured his spot as a finalist in the 34th Annual EBA Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business Award.
Q: What brought Dr. Kanga to Australia?
A: Seeking better opportunities and escaping the limitations of his home country, India, Dr. Kanga migrated to Australia. Arriving in 1977 with his wife Marlene, and a modest amount of savings, he was drawn by Australia's promise of freedom and the potential for innovation and entrepreneurial success.
Q: What challenges did Dr. Kanga face while seeking a new life in Australia?
A: Upon their arrival, Dr. Kanga and Marlene encountered numerous challenges, including cultural adaptation and the struggle to find employment that matched their qualifications. Marlene, despite holding a master’s degree in engineering, faced underemployment due to the local job market's failure to recognize their overseas qualifications initially. Dr. Kanga himself, despite a PhD, had to start his career anew, overcoming obstacles such as unrecognized educational credentials and the challenge of establishing himself in a competitive job market. Their journey was marked by resilience, as they navigated these hurdles while building a foundation for their future.
Q: What inspired Dr. Rustom Kanga to start his business?
A: Inspired by the limitations he observed in the job market and a desire to innovate beyond the boundaries of traditional employment, Dr. Kanga co-founded iOmniscient in 2001. His entrepreneurial journey was fueled by a vision to leverage artificial intelligence to solve complex real-world problems, drawing on his academic background and professional experiences.
Q: How has the business grown since starting?
A: iOmniscient has grown from a visionary startup into a global leader in AI technology, specializing in multi-sensory analytics. Under Dr. Kanga's leadership, the company has expanded its footprint worldwide, securing over 70 international patents and completing projects in 70 countries. iOmniscient's commitment to excellence and innovation has led to partnerships with major corporations like Intel, Lenovo, and Dell, and its technology is used in critical infrastructure projects around the world. Dr. Kanga's journey from a newcomer in Australia to a celebrated tech entrepreneur showcases his dedication, resilience, and the powerful impact of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Dr. Marlene Kanga and Dr Rustom Kanga pictured with Joseph Assaf AO, founder and Chairman of the EBA
“We came as very poor migrants, with no cash, no job, and we just had a lot of hope….”
- Dr Rustom Kanga
