Celebrating Innovation: CORE’s Hot 30 Awards Shine a Light on Australia’s Brightest Energy and Resources Innovators
There was a real sense of pride in celebrating the fifth anniversary of CORE’s Hot 30 Awards across Perth, Newman and Adelaide last week. It was a milestone that underscores the extraordinary talent, drive, and innovation thriving across Australia's energy and resources sectors.
This year is particularly exciting, as we recognise a remarkable 150 startups, scaleups and SMEs who are shaping the future of Australia’s critial industries. From renewable energy and automation to robotics, data science, and circular economy solutions — the diversity of ideas coming through is nothing short of inspiring.
Awards programs like Hot 30 play a vital role in elevating emerging innovators, connecting them with industry opportunities, and solidifying Australia’s global reputation as a leader in energy and mining innovation. At CORE, we’re proud to provide a platform that showcases these success stories and amplifies their impact.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our incredible sponsors: BDO, BHP, Radium Capital, Wrays, The Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct, Unearthed Solutions, and Spacecubed. Their backing — along with the time and insight offered by our esteemed judges — allows us to shine a spotlight on some of the most promising ventures in the country.
With over 80 nominations received this year, the task of narrowing down to just 30 was no easy feat. The final Hot 30 list spans five states, and the solutions represented tackle everything from grid stability and sustainable storage to industrial safety and immersive workforce training.
Along with the winner’s list of 30 companies, seven individual awards honoured outstanding innovation across specific categories:
Sustainability Innovation Award went to Green Gravity, recognised for repurposing legacy mine shafts into gravity-powered renewable energy storage systems.
Female-led Innovation, presented by Radium Capital, was awarded to Industrial Metaverse, pioneers in VR training for high-risk industries.
Safety Innovation, sponsored by the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct, was awarded to MTI Group for their groundbreaking BLASTSCOUT technology.
Pilbara Innovator of the Year, presented by BHP, went to Shift Diesel & Earth, applauded for their work in fleet management and community-driven operations.
WA Innovator of the Year was awarded to Clean Plant, creators of an automated solution reducing transfer chute blockages in mining operations.
SA Innovator of the Year was claimed by Glaciem Cooling, whose sustainable HVAC&R technologies are setting new standards for energy efficiency.
And finally, the prestigious Innovator of the Year title went to Switch Technologies — a game-changer in energy efficiency for heavy machinery through their regenerative braking systems.
INTRODUCING THE 2025 HOT 30 WINNERS
Australian Flow Batteries
Barretek
Blue Dwarf Space
Carbon280
Caroni
Clean Plant (Winner – WA Innovator of the Year)
CoilRig
Ekion Pty Ltd
Glaciem Cooling (Winner – SA Innovator of the Year)
Green Gravity (Winner – Sustainability Innovation Award)
Gyratory Roller Solutions
IBT Mining
Industrial Metaverse (Winner – Female-led Innovation Award)
Kuuwa Rentals
Lateral Vision (Syvwl)
MAX Plant
Mineguard Solutions
MTI Group (Winner – Safety Innovation Award)
Paladin Space
Pilbara Circular Plastics
Pilbara Ecological
Real Time Instruments
Ruff Supplied
Shift Diesel (Winner – Pilbara Innovator of the Year)
Skylink Systems
Switch Technologies (Winner – Innovator of the Year)
Titeline Drilling
Voartechs
Wearvue
Xplorate
Congratulations to all the Hot 30 companies — you’re not just building great businesses; you’re helping redefine what’s possible in the energy and resources sectors.
You can explore the full list and learn more about each winner on the CORE Hot 30 website.