Innovation Is In Our DNA

I often get asked if I get surprised anymore by the level of innovation from our METS businesses. My answer to that is yes and no.

I have come to learn over my time as General Manager of RIN that our members don’t really see what they do as innovation. They simply saw that there was a problem, so they thought about a way to fix it. That, to me, says that innovation is part of our DNA. It is a huge part of what makes Mackay the largest METS sector in the Southern Hemisphere.

So that part doesn’t surprise me anymore. What does continue to surprise me is the amazing inventions that constantly come to my attention. The depth of thought that goes into developing these new innovations astounds me. Then, when you consider the skills and patience that go into developing them, it makes me proud to be associated with the METS sector in this region.

At the recent Queensland Resource and Innovation Expo, I was honoured to host the Mine Pitch event. Mine Pitch is sort of like The Shark Tank. It was created to help SME businesses develop connections into the resources sector by pitching their products or services to a panel of industry and subject matter experts. Resource Industry Network has partnered with Greater Whitsunday Innovation to deliver this event three times per year for the last four years.

What made this Mine Pitch different was that it was delivered in front of a live audience. Normally, Mine Pitch is a totally online event. This was done to give the pitchers confidence to deliver a compelling pitch to potential customers online, anywhere in the world.

The pitching businesses certainly embraced this version of Mine Pitch. While nervous, their commitment to their products and the passion they showed for their businesses was fantastic. The level of innovation on show certainly impressed the panel of industry experts and the audience.

A huge thank you to the panellists who gave up their time to be part of the event. The feedback given to the pitching businesses and the connections they made will stand them in great stead as they look to take their products into the market further.

I must give a shout-out to our partners in Mine Pitch, Greater Whitsunday Innovation. They are the innovation hub here in Mackay that continues to guide our budding innovators through the product development cycle.

Also, to the Resources Centre of Excellence for hosting the Queensland Resources and Innovation Expo. It is a fantastic concept that brought together great speakers and allowed innovative businesses to promote their fantastic products and services.

It was a great day all round.

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