Scholars in the Media

Overlay co-founder Connor O’Rourke champions SA start-ups in AI race

Connor O’Rourke (ILF2026)

Serial entrepreneur Connor O’Rourke is tapping into the power of AI with his latest venture, turning mobile, drone and other cameras into “smart eyes” that help businesses manage and maintain their infrastructure and industrial assets in real-time.

Mr O’Rourke acquired a major stake and took over as chief executive of Overlay around 18 months ago, after it was spun out of immersive technology company Lumination in 2023.

It’s emerged with an impressive list of blue chip clients, with applications in industries ranging from oil & gas to mining, renewables and utilities.