Western Australian firms emerge as a driving force for innovation
Western Australian businesses that have harnessed smart technology and innovation to shape the future of the mining, energy and resources sectors, have been recognised among the nation’s hottest new generation of businesses.
WA innovators comprise more than half of the 2023 Core Innovation Hub Hot 30 awards, which showcase the best 30 technologists and entrepreneurs driving innovation across Australia’s most important industries – mining, energy, resources, oil & gas, space and defence. Sixteen WA companies made the list.
In addition to dominating the Hot 30 awards, 5WA companies were singled out as category winners, highlighting the success of Western Australians in scaling their businesses to solve real-world problems through innovation.
RockAI was named the WA Innovator of the Year for its cutting-edge technology which delivers highly accurate, intelligent orebody and rock mass characterisation in real time. This knowledge enhances mining sustainability by reducing waste through decarbonised, efficient and safe operations and enables greater recovery of critical minerals.
The Sustainability Innovation Award went to Bibra Lake company Magellan Power, which has developed an innovative approach to the whole-life management cycle of lithium-ion batteries. Called the Battery Eco System – 4R, the application includes all stages of repair, refurbishment, repurposing and recycling. Magellan Power plans to establish hubs in the Pilbara and Rockingham regions.
Bentley-based Global Energy Learning Solutions received the Emerging Industry Innovation Award winner for its use of augmented and virtual reality to improve outcomes for trainees and operational and business outcomes for clients in the energy industry. They use a three-step VR training approach called the Train, Try and Test model and have developed a 3D virtual world called the ‘training metaverse’ where students can safely interact with equipment in a digital twin of their future work environment.
Revolutionary maintenance technology, Hydratune by Koodaideri received the Indigenous Innovation gong. The technology enables safer, more efficient and effective maintenance practices in industrial and mining equipment. Users can maintain machinery remotely, significantly reducing risk.
CORE National Innovation Hub Manager, Renee Hakendorf said the winners of the CORE Hot 30 were outstanding in their fields. “The Hot 30 represent the very best of our next generation of businesses which are developing new technologies and using innovation to solve real-world problems for Australia’s biggest industries,” Ms Hakendorf said.
“CORE Innovation hub is proud to use these awards to showcase the entrepreneurial prowess of new and evolving businesses and their significant contributions and advancement of solutions for the mining, energy, and resources sectors .”
CORE Innovation Hub is Australia’s first collaboration and innovation hub with Hubs in Perth, Newman and Adelaide. CORE is focussed on building the ecosystems and innovation infrastructure to propel the resources and energy sector forward.
CORE Innovation Hub has developed a 5500 strong network comprised of innovators, technologists, industry professionals and academics from across the nation to support development of solutions from concept to deployment in Australia.
The Innovator of the Year Award was taken out by NSW firm Carbonix and the Equipment Innovation Award went to SafeGauge.
Sponsors of the Hot 30 awards include BHP, METS Ignited, Resource Capital Funds Jolimont Investment, Rio Tinto, South Australian Department for Energy and Mining and Wrays.
The full list of Hot 30 winners can be viewed here - https://www.coreinnovationhot30.com.au/
ENDS
West Australian Media contact: Bella Scatturo – Hunter Communications 0413 309 655