From insight to impact: a transformative accelerator experience

We’re pleased to announce the successful wrap-up of the BHP Invent Ore Body Knowledge (OBK) Accelerator Program.

Eight trailblazing companies have harnessed the power of sensing, data, analytics and automation to advance faster, safer and more informed ore body decision making across the mining value chain.

The 2025–26 OBK cohort:

• Strayos – an AI-driven platform that turns drone and LiDAR survey data into mine models and synthesized reports for compliance reporting, including historical comparisons.
• Southern Innovation – developers of novel X-ray transmission spectroscopy technology that can provide near real-time measurements
• Geopyora – offering high-resolution ore hardness characterisation that integrates small-sample breakage testing and AI-Driven modelling, that can be used to predict comminution parameters.
• Spectral Industries – leveraging LIBS sensing to enhance insights into ore quality to enable grade control activities.
• MinersAI – using AI to aggregate and standardise different types of data to build predictive models and enhance data quality for decision-making.
• Vibrometric – utilising advanced cross-hole seismic imaging to generate higher-resolution 3D subsurface images. 
• IMDEX – role as an integrated solution developer, building and applying framework to integration individual technologies into solutions.
• ThingWave – integrating sensor data and connectivity to enable smarter, automated decision making in complex operating environments.

The eight innovators connected solutions to real BHP challenges, working directly with BHP samples and data sets to test and validate their technologies in mining conditions.

Each company presented its technology, key learnings and progress to BHP’s technical experts, sparking robust discussion and opportunities for future partnership.

“The OBK Accelerator Program has highlighted the power of collaboration,” said Head of Innovation Ecosystem Katie Hulmes.

“We believe the greatest breakthroughs won’t come from mining alone, they will be created by leveraging expertise across industries. Accelerating the use of advanced technologies like Ai, automation and sensing will underpin how our future mines operate and deliver lasting value for BHP and the wider industry.”

BHP Vice President Innovation Jessica Farrell congratulated the eight graduating members of the OBK cohort.

“We’re incredibly excited to collaborate with global innovators and unlock new approaches to ore body knowledge.

“Through our accelerator, we can deliver long term value to BHP and improve safety, productivity and sustainability outcomes for the global mining industry as a whole,” said Jess.

About BHP Invent

BHP Invent collaborates with innovators from around the world to help bring breakthrough ideas into real-world application across BHP’s operations.

We focus on technologies that improve safety, productivity, and sustainability across Ore Body Knowledge, Mining, Processing, Leaching, and Tailings.

Innovators can connect with us through the Open House – our always-on innovation platform – where ideas are welcomed year-round and connected with the right BHP teams to help accelerate their development.

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