Three years ago, Smith founded Secure State to address the lack of cybersecurity support given to Australian businesses.

“There were no IT providers implementing cybersecurity and no cybersecurity providers implementing IT,” says Smith.

“That’s where I saw an opportunity to create a unique offering and bridge the two disciplines to provide an end-to-end solution for industry.”

Secure State describes itself as “an Australian sovereign Indigenous cybersecurity business specialising in information security and technology services”.

As the company’s chief operating officer, Smith leads a team providing expert IT and cybersecurity advice to Australian businesses.

In his spare time, Smith enjoys watching his favourite TV show Lost and reading his favourite books “The Lord of The Rings”, “Greenlights” and “The Barefoot Investor”.

Given the Emerging Industries Award by Piper Alderman, Smith was recognised for his contribution to an industry that will contribute to the prosperous future of South Australia.