International MOU to bridge commercialisation 'valley of death'
NORCAT is the global one-stop-shop for mining technology and innovation, offering mining and mining supply companies the opportunity to develop, test, and showcase products in a specially designed, underground operational mine in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
Amira CEO Dr Jacqui Coombes said the agreement boosts Amira's capabilities in helping companies move products from the research phase to market, crossing the commercialisation valley on death in the process.
"We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NORCAT that will see the organisation join our innovative CoLabs program," Dr Coombes said.
"To commercialise a product, companies need access to infrastructure to develop, test, prototype and showcase that product. Our C0Labs program develops a global network and community of testing and demonstration facilities," she said.
"With the signing of the MOU, Amira Global Members can now access the NORCAT Underground Centre, which is the best place for emerging technologies that are poised to transform the mining industry. Collectively, we are developing and strengthening the pathways for companies to scale and commercialise world-leading solutions."
NORCAT CEO Don Duval said the organisation created its "active underground laboratory" to connect technology companies with buyers in the mining sector.
"NORCAT has created a vibrant mining technology ecosystem like no other in the world. We are excited to partner with Amira Global and an outstanding network of partners that can further assist tech companies in bringing their products and services to the global mining community," Mr Duval said.
Amira Global is a member-based not-for-profit charged with transforming the minerals industry through thought leadership platforms; R&D collaboration to address key breakthroughs; and the development of implementation and commercialisation pathways to ensure R&D and innovation outcomes translate back into industry.
The Amira CoLabs program is designed to accelerate collaboration across the ecosystem; develop pathways for Amira projects within the Futures Programs to enable accelerated translation and implementation of R&D outcomes;develop and strengthen pathways for scaling and commercialisation of R&D outcomes; and de-risk R&D outcomes ahead of on-site deployment.
Founded in 1955, NORCAT is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to developing programs, services, and resources that provide our clients with the skills, competencies, and confidence to have meaningful and sustainable careers.
