The Ava Group
The Ava Group (ASX: AVA) is an Australian-listed risk management technology group operating three divisions — Future Fibre Technologies (fibre optic intrusion detection), BQT Solutions (card readers and locks), and GJD Manufacturing (external detection and illumination) — serving defence, government, energy, transportation, mining, and corrections customers across six continents.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersMulgrave, Australia
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What The Ava Group does
The Ava Group (Ava Risk Group Limited, ASX: AVA) is an Australian-listed provider of risk management technologies, headquartered in Mulgrave, Victoria, with operations across six continents and "thousands of sites protected" in defence, border security, energy, transportation, corrections, mining and telecommunications. The group is organised into three wholly-owned technology divisions: Detect (Future Fibre Technologies / FFT), which manufactures fibre optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) systems including the Aura Ai-X and Aura Ai-XS intrusion detection platforms; Access (BQT Solutions), which produces high-security card and biometric readers, electromechanical locks (YD30 Cobalt series, YG80B Bluetooth lock, Orca); and Illuminate (GJD Manufacturing), which supplies external detection, ANPR cameras, LED illuminators and the LX LoRa Connect wireless integration system. The Services division (Ava Global) was divested in 2021 to refocus on technology.
Underlying technology centres on proprietary fibre optic sensing with deep-learning AI that detects, classifies and locates disturbances to within ±5 metres. Aura Ai-X carries Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) certification to EN50128:2011 for railway control and protection. The business sells primarily through enterprise field sales tendered for government and critical infrastructure projects, augmented by system integrators (Siemens, Honeywell, UGL) and channel partners (dormakaba globally for BQT products; SourceIT in the US; Aeon Security in Brazil). Revenue is split between hardware project sales, multi-year services and support contracts (e.g., Sydney Trains five-year deal, Telstra supply agreement), and a growing subscription/ARR line (A$2.6M contracted ARR at FY2025 year-end, up from A$2.3M at H1 FY2025) tied to Aura Ai-X software and monitoring.
FY2025 group revenue was A$31.7 million (+5% YoY), with underlying EBITDA of A$2.1M (vs a prior-year loss) and A$5.6M of cash at 30 June 2025. Management is guiding FY2026 revenue to A$37.0–A$40.0 million. Notable disclosed customers include Telstra, Sydney Trains, SMRT Singapore, GAIL India (1,104 km pipeline), ADNOC/Honeywell Middle East, Sonatrach (Algeria gas field), Woodside Energy, Dubai International Airport, Sibanye-Stillwater, Atlas Energy Solutions, New York Power Authority, Louisiana Department of Corrections, US Federal Government and Belgian military bases.
The Ava Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Ava Group
- Legal name
- Ava Risk Group Limited
- Website
- https://theavagroup.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- The Ava Group (ASX: AVA) is an Australian-listed risk management technology group operating three divisions — Future Fibre Technologies (fibre optic intrusion detection), BQT Solutions (card readers and locks), and GJD Manufacturing (external detection and illumination) — serving defence, government, energy, transportation, mining, and corrections customers across six continents.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Ava Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Physical Security and Perimeter Intrusion Detection Technology
- NAICS
- Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Security Systems Services (56162)
- SIC
- Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Physical Security IoT & Smart Building Security Integration (Sensors, BMS tie-ins) (BPAKAGAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Video Analytics & AI Security Solutions Integration (LPR, Facial, Behavior) (BPAKAGAK)
Keywords
Where The Ava Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mulgrave
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Ava Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Hardware and Equipment Sales: Sale of physical security products including fibre optic detection controllers, biometric readers, locks, illuminators, and related equipment. One-time capital expenditure for customers with hardware forming the core product offering.
- Subscription and Recurring Revenue: Annual recurring revenue from subscriptions for Aura Ai-X software and monitoring services. Also includes multi-year service contracts and support agreements. At H1 FY2025, contracted annual recurring revenue was $2.3 million, growing to $2.6 million by FY2025 year end.
- Professional Services: Installation, commissioning, and technical support services. Includes system integration, training, and ongoing maintenance contracts. Multi-year support agreements with organizations like Sydney Trains.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Enterprise and government contracts via direct sales |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Ava Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Ava Group designs, manufactures, and supplies risk management technologies across three divisions: Detect (fibre optic intrusion detection and location systems such as Aura Ai-X with deep-learning AI), Access (high-security biometric card readers and electromechanical locks under BQT Solutions), and Illuminate (external detection equipment, ANPR cameras, and LED illuminators under GJD Manufacturing). Offerings are deployed to protect perimeters, pipelines, data networks, conveyors, and critical infrastructure for government, defence, energy, transportation, mining, and telecommunications customers globally.
Product overview
The Ava Group is a market leader in risk management technologies operating three business segments: Detect, Access, and Illuminate. The Detect segment (Future Fibre Technologies) manufactures and markets fibre optic sensing systems including Aura Ai-X and Aura Ai-XS (advanced intrusion detection with deep learning), Aura IQ (predictive conveyor health monitoring), Secure Fence/Secure Zone/SecureLink (legacy detection controllers), and Phase Controller technology. The Access segment (BQT Solutions) specializes in high security card and biometric readers, electronic locks including YD30 Cobalt Series, YG80B Bluetooth lock, and Orca lock. The Illuminate segment (GJD Manufacturing) provides ANPR cameras, D-TECT Laser detectors, LED illuminators, and LX LoRa Connect wireless integration system supporting up to 500 devices. The portfolio serves commercial, industrial, military, and government clients globally across six continents.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Future Fibre Technologies (FFT): Detect division: fibre optic intrusion detection and location products for perimeters, pipelines, and data networks.
- BQT Solutions
- GJD Manufacturing (GJD)
- Aura Ai-X
- Aura Ai-XS
- Aura IQ
- LX LoRa Connect
- YD30 / YD30S Series
- YG80B
- D-TECT Laser
Products and services
- Aura Ai-X Advanced fibre optic intrusion detection and location controller using deep learning algorithms for perimeter, pipeline, conveyor, power cable, and data network security. Detects and pinpoints disturbances to within ±5m.
- Aura Ai-XS Intrusion detection solution specifically designed for shorter perimeters up to 10 kilometres (6 miles), offering the deep learning capabilities of Aura Ai-X at a lower price point for smaller facilities such as substations, industrial estates, and corrections facilities.
- Aura IQ Predictive conveyor health monitoring system using fibre optic sensing technology for bulk handling operations, forecasting maintenance needs and optimising conveyor performance in the mining sector.
- FFT Secure Fence Fibre optic intrusion detection system for perimeter protection across fences and perimeters; being replaced by the Aura Ai-X platform at existing customer sites.
- FFT Secure Zone Fibre optic zone-based intrusion detection controller for perimeter security applications.
- FFT SecureLink Fibre optic intrusion detection technology for protecting military and government data networks and telecommunications infrastructure, including India's Ministry of Defence closed data network project.
- FFT Phase Controller Advanced phase controller technology that transforms fibre optic cables into highly sensitive acoustic sensors, enabling applications including exposed cable monitoring, leak detection, track monitoring, subsea cable monitoring, and enhanced event classification.
- YD30 Cobalt Series Revolutionary electromechanical lock series designed as a replacement for magnetic locks, with smooth door alignment and reliable release under heavy loads. Marketed as SL30 by dormakaba UK and integrated with access control systems.
- YG80B Bluetooth Lock Bluetooth-enabled lock with IP67 weather-resistance rating and built-in heater, engineered for harsh environments including prisons, cargo containers, gates, and roller doors, and operable via mobile phone.
- Orca Lock High-strength, waterproof, fully integrated lock designed for demanding security applications.
- BQT Smart Readers High security smart card and biometric readers for access control applications, with integrations including the Australian Government Department of Human Services.
- LX LoRa Connect Ultra-long-range wireless integration system transmitting signals up to 10 kilometres and supporting up to 500 devices wirelessly without data cables for perimeter protection projects. Seamlessly integrates with D-TECT Laser, FFT fibre sensing, BQT locks, and leading camera systems.
- D-TECT Laser Laser-based perimeter detection system that creates a virtual curtain of up to 25 metres for securing windows, courtyards, and perimeter protection. Used at Lord's Cricket Ground and prison facilities.
- LED Illuminators Infrared and white-light LED illuminators for external security lighting and detection enhancement, part of GJD's professional security equipment portfolio.
- ANPR Cameras Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras for security and access control applications, part of GJD's detection and illumination product range.
Quantifiable outcome
- Thousands of sites protected globally across defence, border security, energy, transportation, and communications sectors
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The Ava Group
Customer profileNamed customers19 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Ava Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability4 records
Feature8 records
The Ava Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- UniKey Technologies, Inc.coreFive-year Master Supply and Services Agreement with UniKey, a leading US mobile-credential and smart-access technology company headquartered in Orlando, Florida. BQT and UniKey will co-develop a new range of NFC/BLE access control readers. Minimum purchase commitments of $4.6 million (US$3.0m) anticipated over five-year period.
- Telstra GroupflagshipMajor supply agreement with Telstra Group for detection systems and services. Includes sale of units, dedicated support resources, and infrastructure. Also includes installation of Aura Ai-X technology on a Telstra subsea cable, opening door to further deployments across subsea infrastructure.
- UGL LimitedcoreMajor contract awarded for implementation of detection systems on major Sydney transportation project. Expanded scope of work with UGL in FY2025.
- Honeywell Middle EastcoreWorking with Honeywell Middle East to deploy FFT detection systems identifying access, threats and risks to critical infrastructure across a major oil and gas field operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
- Siemens LimitedcoreWorking with Siemens on major Australian transport project to monitor and identify risks critical to safe and efficient operation of infrastructure. Also working alongside Siemens at military bases in Belgium.
- dormakabaflagshipGlobal distribution partnership with dormakaba for BQT access control products. YD30 Series available through dormakaba UK as SL30, with significant opportunities in UK access control market. Partnership extended to dormakaba Australia and dormakaba India. Dormakaba USA supported YD30 Series at GSX Florida, Glass Build America Dallas, and DHI ConNextions Las Vegas.
- SourceITcorePartnership agreement with US-based SourceIT, specializing in design, distribution, and support of physical security solutions. First order received for D-TECT Laser and Illuminators. Supports efficient delivery of GJD products to growing integrator list.
- Mining3coreStrategic partnership with Mining3, a global mining research organization, to deliver innovative predictive asset maintenance solutions to the global mining sector. Includes development and commercialization of Aura IQ conveyor monitoring system.
- Aeon SecuritycoreFFT's largest renewable energy sector partner in Brazil. Installing Aura Ai-XS at new solar farms in Brazil.
- VeracitekminorPartnership with Veracitek in South Africa for Sibanye-Stillwater water pipe protection project.
- ECOME Trading and Technology JSCminorEngaged as integrator to deliver FFT technology at Central Committee Party Document Archive facility in Vietnam.
- Australian Government - Border Protection Technologies PanelflagshipAva Risk Group appointed to Australian Government's Border Protection Technologies Panel, enabling direct sourcing opportunities across government departments for border security solutions.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights7 records
The Ava Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- ASSA ABLOY: Global leader in access control, locks and entrance solutions — broad incumbent overlapping with Ava's BQT and GJD divisions across commercial, institutional and government security.
- Axis Communications: Network-video leader whose IP cameras and analytics increasingly bundle into PIDS offerings — broad incumbent Ava competes against (and integrates with) for transport, city and critical-infrastructure perimeter projects.
- Genetec (Security Center): Unified physical security platform (video, access, intrusion) sold through integrators like Siemens and Honeywell — competes with Ava's integrated Detect/Access/Illuminate stack as a software-first alternative.
- Honeywell Building Technologies: Honeywell's security division delivers video surveillance, access control and intrusion systems — both a system integrator for Ava in the Middle East and a broad incumbent competing across Ava's full stack.
Direct peers
- Allegion: US-listed pure-play access control and lock company (Schlage, Von Duprin) — a direct competitor to BQT Solutions in high-security electromechanical locks for corrections, transport and government sites.
- Senstar Corporation: Canadian-headquartered specialist in perimeter intrusion detection systems (fibre optic, microwave, fence sensors) serving utilities, corrections, defence and oil & gas customers — the closest direct competitor to FFT/Ava's fibre optic PIDS portfolio.
- OPTEX: Japanese manufacturer of outdoor/intrusion detection sensors including fibre optic (Fiber SenSys) and PIR/laser detectors — directly comparable to Ava's Detect and Illuminate product lines in perimeter and external detection.
- Magal Security Systems (Sasa/Qognify): Israel-based perimeter security specialist offering PIDS (SmartFence/FiberPatrol), video management and physical security solutions — competes with Ava in critical infrastructure, corrections and homeland security projects.
- dormakaba: Swiss-headquartered global access control and locking solutions provider — both a channel partner and a direct competitor to BQT Solutions' high-security readers and electromechanical locks.
Emerging players
- Southwest Microwave: US-based specialist in outdoor microwave and fence-mounted intrusion detection sensors — comparable emerging/niche competitor focused on corrections, utilities and high-security perimeters.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Ava Group social profiles
Digital presenceThe Ava Group compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
The Ava Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Ava Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
The Ava Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
The Ava Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Ava Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Ava Group
What does The Ava Group do?
The Ava Group designs, manufactures, and supplies risk management technologies across three divisions: Detect (fibre optic intrusion detection and location systems such as Aura Ai-X with deep-learning AI), Access (high-security biometric card readers and electromechanical locks under BQT Solutions), and Illuminate (external detection equipment, ANPR cameras, and LED illuminators under GJD Manufacturing). Offerings are deployed to protect perimeters, pipelines, data networks, conveyors, and critical infrastructure for government, defence, energy, transportation, mining, and telecommunications customers globally.
Is The Ava Group a public or private company?
The Ava Group is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was The Ava Group founded?
The Ava Group was founded in 2017. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is The Ava Group based?
The Ava Group is headquartered in Mulgrave, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does The Ava Group make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware and Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are subscription and Recurring Revenue and professional Services.
Who are The Ava Group's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are ASSA ABLOY, Axis Communications, Genetec (Security Center) and Honeywell Building Technologies. Direct peers are Allegion, Senstar Corporation, OPTEX, Magal Security Systems (Sasa/Qognify) and dormakaba. Southwest Microwave is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Ava Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Ava Group.
What industry is The Ava Group in?
The Ava Group's product category is Physical Security and Perimeter Intrusion Detection Technology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAKAGAL, Physical Security IoT & Smart Building Security Integration (Sensors, BMS tie-ins), with a secondary code of BPAKAGAK, Video Analytics & AI Security Solutions Integration (LPR, Facial, Behavior). Its NAICS code is 561621 and its SIC code is 3825.