Innovation: I’MNOVATION challenge targets sustainability in mining

[caption id="attachment_1003730923" align="alignnone" width="550"] Aerial of a mining operation. Credit: Ennomotive[/caption] A new open innovation program looks to tap ideas from startups around the world to solve some of the mining sector’s most pressing problems. Ennomotive has launched in Chile I’MNOVATION, the open innovation startup program by ACCIONA, a leading multinational in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. The program focuses on the development of new digital solutions to improve safety, sustainability and productivity in mining. To achieve this, three innovation challenges are open for submissions:

• On-site health and safety monitoring of workers.
• Efficiency and digitalization of the heap leaching process.
• Monitoring of tailing and copper-concentrate piping systems.

ACCIONA and ennomotive seek to co-create with startups, entrepreneurs, or digital technology companies. For each challenge, the best proposal will be selected and awarded US$25,000 to conduct a three-month pilot in Chile. ACCIONA will consider signing strategic commercial agreements with the winning startups to scale their solutions both nationally and internationally. The deadline to participate is Oct. 28. The best startups from all over the world will be invited to compete in the final, which will take place in Santiago de Chile during the week of Nov. 25. For more information see the I’MNOVATION website.