Hamilton’s Company-X signs VR deal with Babcock International global defence company

Associate Minister of Defence Chris Penk, Babcock International head of supply chain Gary Bancroft, Company-X head of training and simulation Lance Bauerfeind and Babcock International chief executive Marine Sir Nick Hine at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney. Photo / Simon Casson

Hamilton tech firm Company-X has signed a major international agreement that will take its virtual reality training system to defence forces around the world.

Company-X’s VR technology has already been used by the Royal New Zealand Navy for a couple of years, but the recent agreement with UK-based defence company Babcock International will see it being used in Babcock’s global programmes.

The technology allows defence forces to train for a range of scenarios including turbine repairs, landing helicopters on frigates and diver rescue procedures, through VR simulations.

Company-X head of training and simulation Lance Bauerfeind said the training system would use VR headsets and handheld controllers.

The partnership, announced at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition (Indopac) in Sydney recently, is a major step for Company-X and reflected growing international demand for New Zealand innovation, Bauerfeind said.

“Our simulation training and development is already trusted by the Royal New Zealand Navy to improve operations through immersive and interactive experiences.”

He said the agreement with Babcock was “an ongoing arrangement”.

Bauerfeind wouldn’t say how much it was worth, but said it was “one of the biggest agreements” Company-X had secured.

The technology will be “similar” to the one used by the New Zealand Navy, but there were “different opportunities” for further specialised developments.

“The opportunities it will give us are really positive and we are very excited,” Bauerfeind said.

Company-X co-founder David Hallett added: “The agreement [with Babcock] validates Company-X’s... focus on training and simulations, specifically in the field of defence.”

Associate Minister of Defence Chris Penk said he was happy about the agreement.

“[It] is always pleasing when international defence suppliers commit to enhancing their New Zealand supply chain elements.”

In addition to the agreement with Babcock, Bauerfeind said Company-X was “actively pursuing opportunities” in Europe and Australasia.

“We are looking to work directly with global defence forces. We have [got] a lot to offer.”

In New Zealand, Company-X has been working with the Royal New Zealand Navy for over three years, an d was now “in discussions” with other parts of the New Zealand Defence Force as well, Bauerfeind said.

Babcock International is an international defence, aerospace and security company that provides a range of services, including engineering support, to naval, land, air and nuclear operations.

Its main focus areas are the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa.

Company-X, founded in Hamilton in 2012, provides software solutions, including apps and virtual reality (VR) technology, for New Zealand and international clients.

Danielle Zollickhofer is the Waikato news director and a multimedia journalist at the Waikato Herald. She joined NZME in 2021 and is based in Hamilton.