Apate.AI is a high-potential spin-off from Macquarie University (Australia) focused on using conversational AI to scam-bait and gather intelligence on phone scammers. While the submission contained hyperbolic and inaccurate claims (e.g., 'most people have used my product'), independent verification confirms significant B2B traction: $2.5M AUD Seed funding (August 2025), partnerships with CommBank and TPG Telecom, and a pilot diverting 280,000 scam calls. The project demonstrates high real-world utility and technical innovation, though it is currently in the early commercialization/pilot phase rather than mass consumer adoption.
Ready to Compete for $150k+ in Prizes?
Move this data into a HackerNoon blog draft to become eligible for your share of $150k+ in cash and software prizes
Score Breakdown
Project Details
Algorithm Insights
Recommendations to Increase Usefulness Score
Document User Growth
Provide specific metrics on user acquisition and retention rates
Showcase Revenue Model
Detail sustainable monetization strategy and current revenue streams
Expand Evidence Base
Include testimonials, case studies, and third-party validation
Technical Roadmap
Share development milestones and feature completion timeline