Eramet has embarked on a new innovation journey in partnership with EIT RawMaterials: The “Eramet Safety First Innovation Challenge 2022” to promote the development of novel solutions for Occupational Safety in the Mining and Metals industry.
At Eramet, safety is a major priority. Ensuring the health and safety of its employees and subcontractors and achieving Zero accidents is one of five commitments within the group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) roadmap. As a result, accidents in 2021 have decreased by 46% in 2021 compared to 2020.
This challenge highlights Eramet’s vision to grow its partner network and provide access to a rich variety of interesting start-up players for their 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 the environment.
The Challenge is focused on discovering innovative safety solutions for either of the following areas:
- Safety of lone workers in Exploration
- Hazard detection and prevention systems
- Human-machine interaction in Mining & Metallurgical Processing
- Transport & Logistics in Mining
This is not a strictly definitive list. Other solutions that fit the topic of occupational safety will also be considered.
Start-ups and SMEs which offer smart technologies (at least TRL 5) to keep workers safe in the Mining and Metals industry are invited to apply to the Eramet Safety First Challenge 2022 from 23 May to 1 September 2022. The winning team will be awarded a collaboration contract with Eramet (up to €50k in funding to realise a proof of concept), with potential extension to a long-term collaboration.
A total of 10 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.
Emerging technologies play a major role in advancing the 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.
Marion Lenoir, Head of Open Innovation Department at Eramet Ideas
We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Eramet Ideas to broaden access to the best and most exciting start-ups 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.
Michel Vanavermaete, Director Innovation Hub Central and West at EIT RawMaterials
Innovators are invited to find out more about the challenge and apply following the link below.
