NORCAT Launches Open Innovation Platform to Connect the "Builders" and "Buyers" of Innovation

Sudbury, Ont. – NORCAT is proud to announce the launch of the NORCAT Open Innovation Platform - an online marketplace that enables tech companies and mining companies to work together to solve the many intractable challenges facing the global mining industry.

"The primary objective of the NORCAT Open Innovation Platform is to expedite the identification, product development, and subsequent procurement and deployment of scalable technology solutions that are poised to transform the global mining industry," cites Don Duval, NORCAT CEO. "With our global network, our underground operating mine, and our array of accelerator and innovation services, we believe we are well positioned to support the ongoing technology transformation in the mining industry."

NORCAT's aspirational priority to be the global one-stop-shop for all that is the future of mining is rooted in its unique assets and service offerings – namely, the NORCAT Underground Centre – an operating mine in Sudbury, Canada designed to enable start-ups, small / medium enterprises, and international companies to develop, test, and showcase innovative and emerging technologies in an operating mine environment.

"Over the past three years, we have engaged mining and supply / service companies to help us build and pilot our NORCAT Open Innovation Platform," says Duval.

"Most recently, we have proudly worked closely with Vale to curate a global challenge to identify and support three tech companies to develop solutions related to smelter acid management, underground operator alertness, and inrush of material in underground mines."

"We are excited to be working with NORCAT and leverage the Open Innovation Platform to help Vale expedite the identification, development, testing, and subsequent deployment of solutions that not only address our challenges but also offers support to the mining industry more broadly," says Anthony Downs, Manager, Innovation Scanning & Curation for Vale's Base Metal Operations. "NORCAT’s network across multiple sectors and geographies coupled with their unique operating test mine and innovation and product development service offerings makes them a welcomed partner."

For more information, please visit https://norcat.org/innovation/open-innovation/.

About NORCAT

NORCAT is a global leader in skilled labour training and development and serves as the "one-stop-shop" for all that is the future of mining technology and innovation.

Media Contact

Keltie Melanson, Digital Marketing Specialist

kmelanson@norcat.org