Is your business one of the hottest innovators in the energy, mining and resources industries?

Celebrating the hottest Australian innovators in the mining, energy, and resources industries, CORE Innovation Hub has opened nominations for its Hot 30 Awards for 2022.

The Hot 30 Awards recognises and showcases the next generation of businesses which are successfully developing technology and shaping the future of their industries through innovation.

For the first time, along with the Hot 30 winners, Innovation Awards will be handed out in five categories; the Innovator of the Year Award, the Sustainability Innovation Award, the Emerging Industry Award, the Female Leadership Award, and the Indigenous Innovation Award. 

CORE National Innovation Hub Manager Renee Hakendorf said the winners of the CORE Hot 30, to be announced in February next year, will showcase small and medium-sized businesses which have successfully scaled their ideas to solve real-world problems, create new technologies and improve operations in their industry.

“The Hot 30 and Innovation Awards panel will consider the problem the innovation is solving, growth and growth potential, product market fit, the scale of impact and its ability to be applied globally, and the combined experience in the business’ team,” Ms Hakendorf said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase how well a team works together to solve industry problems and advance their operations, taking the resources, energy, and mining industries to another level.”

“Many businesses out there are driving change in their sector, but rarely put their hand up to tell the world what they’re doing or how they’re having an impact both in Australia and overseas. Whether it’s in renewables, creating efficiencies in energy supply, harnessing space or satellite technology for the resources or mining and exploration sector, and channelling Industry 4.0, it’s time businesses came forward to tell their stories.”

CORE Hot 30 winners will receive industry recognition, be offered brand-building opportunities, business growth training, mentoring, offered connections to industry and be invited to take part in various innovation events across the ecosystem in 2022.

Western Air, an inaugural Hot 30 entrant, is a high-pressure equipment supplier to the mineral exploration industry. Managing Director Carly Ascott said winning the Hot 30 Awards had been a game changer for Western Air.

“CORE has identified and facilitated connections with the right partners for growth and expansion of our business. This included securing a new premises in the Tonsley Innovation District and linking us to vital connections in the mining and resources sector,” Ms Ascott said. 

“Training, leadership and upskilling invitations are regular, and the support following the awards from Renee and the team has been phenomenal. I would encourage any business in these critical sectors to apply and explore the partnership possibilities.”

CORE Innovation Hub is Australia’s first collaboration and innovation hub focussed on the resources, mining and energy industries, initially opening in Perth in 2016, followed by Adelaide last year and the recently announced hub in Newman in the Pilbara, opening in 2022, in partnership with BHP.

CORE Innovation Hub provides meeting and workspaces, regular networking events, opportunities to collaborate on emerging technologies and professional development programs to future proof the resources workforce.

With the expansion of CORE Hub, Director Brodie McCulloch said industry participants had been able to create partnerships and collaborate on projects, along with being able to connect with like-minded businesses and local industry leaders.

Mr McCulloch said he hoped the application process would reveal many more emerging businesses contributing to the vibrancy of the sector and offering fresh ideas.

“It has been a challenging 18 months for many businesses but throughout that time we’ve been able to connect people both in-person and virtually, and provide a support network when people have needed it the most,” he said.

“We’re now looking for the next 30 hottest businesses to show how they’ve stepped up and made a positive contribution, rising to meet ongoing challenges and carving a niche within their sector.”

To find out more about the Hot 30, click here.

Applications will be open until 30 November. Click here to apply.

Foundation Partners in CORE Innovation Hub and the Hot 30 Awards include METS Ignited, Minerals Council of Australia, the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining, Spacecubed and Unearthed.