Newmont Mining Corporation has challenged Mines students to develop team-based, innovative solutions to improve sustainability in natural resource industries. A series of workshops and related innovation events will take place the week of Jan. 17–20, culminating with the Mines Innovation Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 21. Student teams will present prototypes featuring their innovations at the challenge, and will be judged on how well they demonstrate a high probability of success.
“Students will have the opportunity to hear from and work directly with Mines alumni in both the mining and oil and gas industries,” said Robin Bullock, associate engineering teaching professor. “We’re excited to see the student ideas, which are generated to address real-world problems and opportunities."
At the challenge, teams will formulate and iterate low-resolution prototypes to improve the environmental, safety, development or closure of mining or oil and gas operations. A panel of judges will select up to six winning teams to receive $1,000 to refine their prototype under the mentorship of a Mines professor, along with a free, one-credit technical elective class. The selected teams will also have a chance at an award of $36,000 to cultivate and advance their ideas further. In February, they will present their project prototypes at the Western Mining Convention.
Schedule of Events
Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 4-5 p.m.
Brown Building MakerSpace Grand Opening
Blaster Design Factory (Brown Hall, first floor atrium)
Ribbon-cutting by President Johnson for Mines’ newest student design space
Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 3-6 p.m.
Workshops: soldering, PVC skills, 3D printing and more!
Information »
Thursday, Jan. 19 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Grand Challenge Scholars Program Launch
Marquez Hall 108
Saturday, Jan. 21 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
2017 Innovation Challenge
Brown Hall W280
Register now »
More information on Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week »
Contact:
Katy Brown, Associate Director, Communications and Marketing, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3088 | kcbrown@mines.edu
Leah Pinkus, Communications Assistant, Colorado School of Mines | lpinkus@mines.edu
