Entrepreneurs are invited to apply for the Safety First Innovation Challenge 2022, which aims to discover safety solutions for the mining and metals industry.
Eramet created the initiative in partnership with EIT RawMaterials to promote the development of novel solutions for occupational safety.
Startups and SMEs that offer smart technologies (at least TRL5) to keep workers safe in the mining and metals industry are invited to apply from 23 May to 1 September 2022.
The winning team will be awarded a collaboration contract with Eramet (up to €50,000 in funding to realise a proof of concept), with potential extension to a long-term collaboration.
The challenge is focused on discovering innovative safety solutions for the following areas:
- Safety of lone workers in exploration
- Hazard detection and prevention systems
- Human-machine interaction in mining and metallurgical processing
- Transport and logistics in mining
A total of ten candidates will be selected to pitch their solution to the jury while just three candidates will have the opportunity to be coached by Eramet and EIT RawMaterials experts to better adapt their solution to the specific challenges required.
The winner will be named at the final round in early 2023.
Marion Lenoir, Head of Open Innovation Department at Eramet, said, “Emerging technologies play a major role in advancing safety in the mining and metals industry.
“Improving the safety of workers is an absolute priority, and we must explore all possible solutions to achieve our target of zero accidents by 2023.
“Scalability, adaptability and innovativeness are the key factors of a winning project in this challenge.”
This challenge highlights Eramet’s vision to grow its partner network and provide access to a variety of interesting startup players for its own strategic purposes.
As industry technologies and standards advance, safety provides flexibility, productivity and contributes towards an organisation’s responsibility and obligation to its people and its environment.
Michel Vanavermaete, Director of Innovation Hub Central and West at EIT RawMaterials, said, “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Eramet Ideas to broaden access to the best and most exciting startups and entrepreneurs.
“Discovering them at the beginning of their journey can only help fast track them to success.
“The collaboration with an industry leader will give them the competitive edge needed to secure the big vision, which is to attain a sustainable supply of mineral resources for Europe.”
Innovators are invited to find out more about the challenge and to apply here: https://open-innovation.eitrawmaterials.eu/opportunities/eramet-challenge
