Member Spotlight
Amanda Siqueira, Co-Founder & CEO – VAPAR
VAPAR provides AI-powered software that automates the condition assessment of stormwater and sewer pipes through CCTV footage analysis. Last year alone, VAPAR’s AI technology has powered investment decision making on over 2 million metres of pipe in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States and continues to scale globally through partnerships with Autodesk and Microsoft.
How has VAPAR’s journey as a start-up evolved, and as you scale, what exciting opportunities do you see ahead in the smart water sector?
VAPAR started with the core objective of simplifying pipe condition assessments with AI. Over time, we’ve grown from serving local Australian utilities to scaling internationally, particularly in the UK and US. The biggest opportunity that I see for the smart water sector will come from the changing face of the workforce. We don’t have enough people currently in the sector to support the growth into the future. For that reason, technology can play a big part in meeting future challenges. That said, we still need talented people fully engaged and skilled in the new digital landscape. There’s also a tremendous opportunity in predictive analytics and helping utilities transition towards proactive maintenance. The increasing focus on sustainability and digitisation in the sector aligns perfectly with our vision of a world where critical infrastructure meets the needs of communities.
As a startup, how has being a SWAN member supported VAPAR’s growth, and what key insights or strategies have you gained from engaging with utilities?
Being part of SWAN has been invaluable in connecting us with forward-thinking utilities and staying on top of industry innovation at the various SWAN conferences and events. The working groups have also given us great insights into utility challenges, which inform how we tailor our solutions. We’ve been able to share successful case studies through the SWAN network and learnt that a clear demonstration of value is crucial for driving adoption and building lasting partnerships.
Can you share your experience operating in established markets like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand? Do you have plans to shift focus or expand into emerging markets?
Each market has unique dynamics, but the core customer challenge—preventing pipe failures—remains consistent. While our product stays largely the same across regions, go-to-market strategies and adoption vary. In the UK, our solution addresses regulatory-driven needs, helping utilities avoid fines from blockages and collapses. In Australia and New Zealand, it is used as a proactive tool for asset management planning. Emerging markets are also of interest due to similar infrastructure challenges, and our long-term focus is on expanding where we can deliver the most impact.
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to dive into the world of smart water and innovation?
Focus on solving real-world challenges with the end user in mind. Collaborate across disciplines to gain diverse perspectives and build a strong professional network. Stay informed through industry organisations to keep up with the evolving water sector. Above all, be adaptable and open to continuous learning.
