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Welcome to KAST

Kast specialises in IT solutions supporting sustainability initiatives.

Kast Pty. Ltd. works hand-in-hand with clients to implement creative IT solutions supporting more effective and more efficient sustainability programs.

Though Kast solutions are technology-based, we place a strong emphasis on usability and full integration with your program’s internal processes and external messaging. We focus on people, not simply technology. This emphasis on real-world outcomes makes Kast’s IT solutions unique.

Formed in 2009, Kast brings together significant experience in both technology and sustainability projects from the three founders and principles:

  • • Dr. Richard Satur
  • • Kevin Luten
  • • Ravi Gadhia

Dr Richard Satur

Dr Richard Satur has been involved in the IT industry for over 25 years. In the early eighties, Richard completed various Melbourne University degrees in Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Education. In the middle to late eighties and early nineties, he was a high school and TAFE teacher, eventually moving into a role as a senior lecturer and coordinator of Computer Science at a Victorian and Hong Kong University respectively.

His PhD involved research into machine learning algorithms that enhanced data computation to provide more robust and meaningful interpretations of what was originally, vast random data sets. During this period of research Richard made a connection between the usefulness of these algorithms and the vast amounts of randomness in Australian Census data. Using a GIS (Geographic Information System), the data was mapped and then analysed to reveal patterns and interpretations that were previously hidden. This enhancement was noticed by various mining companies and universities in Western Australia and Richard was offered, and took up, a research position at Curtin University to assist various mining interests by integrating his algorithms into their geological systems.

Richard also developed his consulting business in parallel, specialising in database design (i.e. CRM and ERP), data mining (inc. BI - Business Intelligence) and mapping solutions. Over the years he and his businesses took on more Business Analysis roles, eventually merging with Kevin and Ravi to help form Kast. Richard and his companies have also become partners with some of the major software providers in the world including Microsoft, Kovair, Sage and Hp.

Academic Qualifications:

  • * BSc (Mathematics and Chemistry, Sub-major in Physics)
  • * DipEd (Science and Mathematics)
  • * Post Grad Diploma in Computer Science
  • * MSc (Prelim) (Computer Science)
  • * MSc (Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence) (converted to PhD)
  • * PhD in Computer Science with focus on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Geographic Information Systems (including Data Mining)

Professional Qualifications:

  • * Sage Accpac ERP Certified
  • * Sage CRM Certified
  • * Wage Easy Certified
  • * Kovair Certified
  • * Java Developer Certificate at Sun Microsystems
  • * Cold Fusion Developer and Analyst Program with Allaire
  • * Spectra Developer and Analyst Program with Allaire
  • * Object Oriented Geographic Information Systems Developer - Smallworld Systems

Kevin Luten

Kevin serves as Director for Kast and UrbanTrans ANZ. He is a town planner specialising in sustainable transport solutions and sustainability-oriented behaviour change initiatives.

In collaborating with clients on sustainability projects, Kevin frequently identifies opportunities to integrate innovative information and communication technology solutions. Unsatisfied with the capacity of traditional IT firms to fully understand the core objectives of sustainability initiatives and quickly deliver appropriate technology solutions, Kevin teamed up with Richard and Ravi to form Kast in 2009.

Kevin has designed sustainability solutions for a diverse array of government and business clients in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including the Victorian Department of Transport, Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, VicUrban, the GPT Group, the Moreland Energy Foundation, Auckland Regional Transport Authority, Transport for London, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.

Mr. Luten currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Transport Demand Management Institute, Ex-Officio International Director for the International Downtown Association, and member of the Australian Advisory Board of the International Cities, Town Centres & Communities Society.

Ravi Gadhia

Mr Ravi Gadhia is a computer engineer who has focused on helping establish and grow numerous early stage start-up companies, with links in Silicon Valley and the Asia-Pacific region. He has worked in various technology-oriented capacities spanning Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Engineering organizations across a number of industries, including semiconductors, software, video games, automotive electronics, and academic research.

In addition to his role as Technology Director for Kast, Ravi is the Australasia Sales Director for Kovair Software, a Silicon Valley start-up company offering process-oriented project management tools. Previously, he worked as lead Solutions Architect for the Asia-Pacific region for GigaSpaces Technologies, an Israel-based start-up company offering grid-enabled middleware for high performance computing applications. Prior to that, he held senior engineering positions based out of Silicon Valley at SimTone Corporation, a cloud-computing start-up company, and Aureal Inc, a digital audio semiconductor start-up company.

Mr. Gadhia holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Systems Engineering from Stanford University.