The GRX27 Innovation Zone is a curated showcase designed to accelerate the commercialisation of emerging technologies for the resources sector. It brings together startups, researchers, technology developers and early-stage innovators with mining companies, investors and industry leaders. Applicants must demonstrate they meet the eligibility criteria below before being considered by the GRX review panel.

Purpose of the Innovation Zone
The Innovation Zone is designed to showcase emerging technologies with strong potential to transform the resources sector. It provides a platform for early-stage innovators to connect with industry, validate new technologies and accelerate commercial opportunities. The zone is intentionally curated to ensure a diverse mix of innovative solutions and is not intended to serve as a discounted alternative to a standard exhibition booth.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicant types include:

• Early-stage technology companies or startups
• University researchers or research institutions
• Spin-outs or commercialisation ventures
• SMEs launching a new technology, product or service
• Companies with a prototype, MVP or technology that has entered early commercialisation

Eligible applicants should demonstrate that they

• Are developing or commercialising a new technology, product or service relevant to the resources sector.
• Are showcasing a technology that is expected to launch, or has launched, within the past three years.
• Are at the prototype, pilot, MVP or early commercialisation stage.
• Are seeking industry partnerships, pilot opportunities, customers or investment to accelerate commercial growth.
• Are participating to showcase an emerging innovation, rather than to promote an established commercial product or service.

The Innovation Zone is not intended for:

• Organisations exhibiting mature or widely commercialised products or services.
• Companies seeking a lower-cost alternative to a standard exhibition package.
• General corporate brand promotion or business development unrelated to an emerging innovation.
• Technologies that have previously been exhibited in the Innovation Zone unless there has been significant advancement since the previous event.

Additional Exclusions:
To prevent the Innovation Zone being used as a lower-cost alternative to standard exhibition space, the issue identified from prior years, the following exclusion is recommended:

• Prior exhibitor exclusion: Organisations that have previously exhibited mature commercial products through a standard exhibition booth at GRX may not be eligible for the Innovation Zone. Applications from previous exhibitors will be assessed on whether the technology being presented is demonstrably new and aligns with the objectives of the Innovation Zone.
   
• Right of refusal: Austmine and AusIMM reserve the right to determine the suitability of all applications. Where an application is considered more appropriate for a standard exhibition booth, applicants may be offered an alternative exhibition package.

Assessment Criteria
Applications are reviewed by the GRX team based on:

Note: “Contribution to diversity of the Innovation Zone” is recommended to be defined for scoring consistency, e.g. diversity of technology theme, sector application, or applicant type across the zone's overall mix, rather than left open to interpretation.

Innovation Zone Package - $4,000 + GST

• Dedicated innovation pod within the high-profile Innovation Zone, centrally located on the exhibition floor
• Two full GRX27 conference delegate pass, providing access to all conference sessions
• Two ticket to the GRX Industry Awards Dinner
• Company profile featured on the GRX27 website and Innovation Zone webpage
• Inclusion in Innovation Zone promotional campaigns before and during GRX27
• Opportunities to participate in Innovation Zone activations, demonstrations and sponsor-led initiatives
• Direct exposure to mining companies, METS organisations, investors, researchers and industry decision-makers
• Networking opportunities designed to connect participants with potential customers, partners and collaborators
• Association with one of GRX27's signature exhibition features, showcasing the technologies shaping the future of mining

Confidentiality & Intellectual Property (IP): 

• Confidentiality: Participants must ensure their confidential information and IP are adequately protected before any applications are submitted to the GRX website for participation review by the industry panel and any further promotion and exposure received during the GRX27 Event. 
   

• IP Protection: Participants are highly recommended to take appropriate steps to protect their IP before submitting applications via the GRX website and disclosing their innovations at GRX27. The organisers are not responsible for any IP infringement or breaches of confidentiality.