The story of Biometry and our founders.
Dr Ian Campbell – Innovator, Visionary, and Game-Changer
Meet Dr Ian Campbell, one of the founders, investors, and driving forces behind Biometry. With a remarkable track record of innovation spanning decades and industries, we sat down with Dr Campbell to learn more about his journey, the ideas that have shaped his career, and what’s next on the horizon.
Ian, you’ve had a remarkable career spanning decades, industries, and continents. Let’s start at the beginning. What drew you to engineering and technology?
It all began with a passion for problem-solving. I completed a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Sydney, followed by a PhD in Electrical Engineering at UNSW. I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can transform the way we live and work. That curiosity naturally led me to entrepreneurship.
You co-founded your first company with Jock Ritch soon after completing your PhD. What inspired that step?
Jock and I saw an opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the software industry. We started small, recruiting other recent graduates and PhD students from Sydney and NSW Universities. Our big break came when we began developing systems for the travel industry—working with major players like Jetset, Traveland, Qantas, and even the New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department. Before we knew it, we were partnering with some of the largest retail chains in Australia and New Zealand, like Westpac, CBA, and ANZ.
Why was the travel industry such a pivotal focus in those early years?
It was an exciting sector with endless opportunities for innovation. For 15 years, it became our core market, enabling us to expand internationally to Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the UK, and the US. More importantly, it taught us a vital lesson: our real strength was conceiving game-changing technology for market leaders. We helped these businesses not just adapt to change but dominate their industries.
You’ve described your career as focused on “game-changing technologies.” Can you elaborate?
Since the mid-1980s, my work has revolved around creating and delivering transformative technologies.
Some of these were short-term opportunities, while others evolved into decades-long partnerships or SaaS ventures. The common thread has always been working with companies whose ambition was to reshape their industries. We were often so embedded in their strategies that we had exclusivity agreements preventing us from competing. That trust is what allowed us to create meaningful impact.
Your partnership with the Australian Department of Home Affairs and SITA is a standout success. Can you tell us about it?
That partnership was a game-changer. Together, we pioneered the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), a border management system that pre-registers travellers, validates their details at airline check-in, conducts in-transit security checks, and matches faces to passports on arrival. The result? International borders could clear passengers faster and at a fraction of the cost.
We sold the business to SITA for A$100 million in 2010, but its legacy endures. Today, countries like Canada, the USA, and the EU have adopted similar systems, often inspired by the ETA. Knowing we catalysed a global shift in how international travel is managed is deeply gratifying.
SuperChoice is another remarkable achievement, well known in the industry, but not many consumers would know it exists. What made it unique?
SuperChoice revolutionised how superannuation payments were managed in Australia. We developed a platform for employers to electronically collect and clear these payments. At its peak, SuperChoice handled 75 million transactions annually, covering 50% of Australian employees. In 2019, we sold the business for A$90 million to a private equity firm. It’s still going strong, which is a testament to its enduring value.
What are you currently focused on?
I’m involved in several exciting ventures. For instance, Cooltrax is innovating temperature monitoring for perishable goods in the US logistics and retail sectors. Then there’s TLOU Energy, a project aiming to transform electricity generation in Botswana and its neighbouring regions. And, of course, there’s Biometry, which combines voice and facial biometrics to secure digital transactions. It’s a cybersecurity company poised to set the benchmark in digital security with seamless, adaptive recognition.
Your work spans such diverse industries. What drives you?
The potential for meaningful change. Whether it’s making borders more efficient, revolutionising financial systems, or securing digital interactions, I’m always drawn to solving complex problems. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those solutions create lasting value, not just for the businesses I work with but for entire industries.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring innovators?
Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to think big. The most transformative ideas often come from challenging the status quo and imagining what could be, rather than settling for what is. And always surround yourself with talented, driven people—it’s the team that turns vision into reality.