newy.com.au – Newcastle technology company Pitcrew AI has won the Resources and Energy category at the 2026 NSW Export Awards, with ministers Yasmin Catley and Anoulack Chanthivong praising the Hunter business’s growth into an international exporter.
The company’s autonomous heavy vehicle inspection technology uses thermal imaging, computer vision and artificial intelligence to detect potential tyre problems before they become serious safety risks, helping fleet operators improve reliability and reduce downtime.
Its technology is deployed across Australia, North America, South America, Africa and Asia, following work by a small Hunter team to develop solutions to heat-related failures in tyres, brakes and bearings.
Pitcrew AI chief executive Tim Snell said the recognition provided an opportunity to share the Newcastle business’s story.
“The NSW Export Awards provide an opportunity to tell our story,” Mr Snell said.
“What began with a small team in the NSW Hunter developing solutions to reduce heat-related failures in tyres, brakes and bearings has grown into an export success, helping improve safety and reliability for heavy vehicle fleets on five continents.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the company demonstrated the potential for ideas developed in Newcastle and the Hunter to reach international markets.
“Pitcrew AI started with a small team here in the Hunter, determined to solve a problem. Today, their technology is improving safety for heavy vehicles on five continents,” Ms Catley said.
“That’s an extraordinary achievement and it shows just how far a great idea from the Hunter can go.
“Innovation isn’t just happening in big city office towers. It’s happening right here in Newcastle, in our workshops, our businesses and our own backyards.”
The NSW Government pointed to its NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 as part of its broader efforts to grow innovative businesses, attract investment and create jobs.
The blueprint targets nearly $30 billion in additional investment from innovation-intensive businesses over the next decade, with a focus on helping local ideas develop into globally competitive companies.
“The Minns Labor Government wants to see more Hunter businesses grow from small beginnings into global success stories, and that’s exactly what our Innovation Blueprint is designed to support,” Ms Catley said.
The government is also supporting the Hunter Innovation Festival through its Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program. The festival brings together entrepreneurs, researchers and industry leaders to help turn ideas into commercial opportunities.
NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong, who also holds the Innovation, Science and Technology portfolio, congratulated Pitcrew AI on its Resources and Energy award.
“The Minns Labor Government is focused on growing the economy the right way, by backing businesses to expand, invest and create jobs,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“The businesses recognised in these awards are proof that NSW can compete with anyone in the world when we support innovation, ambition and entrepreneurship.
“From the Riverina to Newcastle and Western Sydney, these exporters are putting NSW on the map and driving economic growth in communities across our state.”
The NSW Export Awards recognise businesses taking Australian products, services and expertise to international markets.
Pitcrew AI’s category win advances the Newcastle company to the national competition, with winners in national award categories progressing as finalists for the Australian Export Awards in Canberra on 18 November 2026.
