The Rio Tinto Emerging Innovation category recognises WA innovators who are in the early stages of development or pre-revenue for new a product, technology, process or service.
The innovations must demonstrate that they offer economic, social and/or environmental benefit to Western Australia.
Now in its 18th year, the 2024 program recognises WA innovators across 6 categories.
The winner of the Rio Tinto Emerging Innovation category will be awarded $60,000 and also receive the benefits of a PhD student, through the support of Biodesign Australia. The runner up will receive a prize of $15,000.
This year, there are 6 finalists for the 2024 Innovator of the Year - Rio Tinto Emerging Innovation category.
Hermes and Soteria
Overwatch, Subsurface monitoring of tailings storage facilities, the greatest risk to the mining industry.
Hermes and Soteria has developed a world-first remote sensing and direct subsurface monitoring product for tailings storage facilities. ‘Overwatch’ is an end-end solution utilising ruggedised probes and a proprietary combination of self-powered sensors, through to an above ground network infrastructure and cloud-based open integration architecture. Since incorporating in February of 2023, Overwatch has been validated in-lab by industry experts and successfully operationally deployed in 3 states of Australia, with 2 of the biggest mining companies in the world.
Learn more about the project on the website.
Materia Health Pty Ltd
MateriaPOD, revolutionising the standard of care in organ/tissue transportation.
Materia Health is a Perth-based, clinician-led, Australian company with a mission to preserve, protect and transport donor organs and tissues, to give transplant recipients the best chance of survival. Materia Health have created the world’s first device capable of transporting both organ and tissues. MateriaPOD is a smart, connected, portable, rechargeable and reusable device with limited consumables set to revolutionize the transplant process.
Learn more about the project on the website.
Pretect Devices Pty Ltd
Empowering care, ensuring safety - Preventing extravasation injury in preterm neonates.
Pretect’s innovation, Vedette, is a smart electronic device that promptly detects any leakage of fluid during ongoing IV therapy outside the intended vein into the surrounding tissues. By detecting leakage in a timely manner, it prevents extravasation injury in preterm babies. Vedette is the first of its kind in neonatal intensive care. The technology can be directly extended to all patients undergoing high-risk IV therapy with vesicant fluids that can cause tissue damage, including chemotherapy recipients, contrast media imaging, and anaesthetised patients during prolonged surgeries.
Learn more on the website.
RaptorTech
PerceptN, The Worlds first functionally safe collision avoidance solution
RaptorTech’s PerceptN is the mining industry’s most advanced collision avoidance system, offering a robust and functionally safe solution for detecting people, obstacles, and machinery. Designed to ensure compliance with operational and legislative safety standards, PerceptN gives mining operations the confidence they need to protect their workforce. By integrating four independent detection technologies—vision, radar, wireless, and GPS—PerceptN provides a comprehensive safeguard to ensure everyone returns home safely. Offered as a service with included network infrastructure, this system requires no large capital investment. You can enhance site safety immediately with a simple monthly subscription.
Learn more on the website.
SeaStock PtyLtd
Asparagopsis Production and Compound Extraction for Global Methane Reduction and Natural Bio extracts
SeaStock has developed an extraction process to produce the highest concentration natural bromoform and a red pigment called R-Phycoerythrin. The dual extraction method supports SeaStock’s strategy of becoming the lowest cost producer of a form of seaweed called Asparagopsis. Research conducted by the CSIRO shows bromoform reduces livestock emissions up to 90% and improve feed efficiency by 20%. R-Phycoerythrin is a red pigment used as a natural colourant in the food, cosmetic and medicine.
Learn more on the website.
Uluu
The world’s first truly compelling alternative to plastic
Uluu has created an alternative to plastic made from farmed seaweed using a novel saltwater fermentation process. Uluu is strong, lightweight and waterproof, while being truly biodegradable and biocompatible. Uluu’s materials replace plastic while being good for the world. They tackle plastic pollution, are climate positive and help restore the health of our oceans.
Learn more on the website.
