DIGGING THROUGH DATA TO UNEARTH SOLUTIONS
“ We didn ’ t invent them , but what we are doing is applying the methodology of hackathons to opportunities in the resource sector ,” he says .
“ Unearthed is about doing something , rather than just talking about it . We connect entrepreneurs and technologists to specific opportunities in the resource sector through hackathons ,”
The hackathons , which Unearthed has been running since 2014 , are an intense , 54-hour activity designed to connect innovators to challenges and big data from the resources sector . The directors of Unearthed previously conducted hackathons in other industries , but turned their attention to the resources industry because they identified a big opportunity .
“ There is close to $ 1 trillion in economic impact coming to the global resources sector from disruptive technologies by 2025 . At Unearthed our goal is to empower entrepreneurs to create businesses that can deliver these technologies and help the industry become more efficient and competitive by adopting them ,” he says .
Unearthed acts as an innovation platform for the entire resources sector .
The company is headed up by three directors , Justin , Zane Prickett and Paul Lucey . Each of these men have years of experience behind them , with Justin being a recognised leader in Perth ’ s growing tech startup ecosystem .
Strharsky often recalls his experience in technology startups as a foundation for the formation of Unearthed , to help companies avoid certain mistakes that he himself has experienced over time . The mining industry is one that has somewhat lagged with regards to innovation and adopting new technologies , especially when compared to other industries . This is a feeling shared by Strharsky , who notes that the mining industry is often referred to as unsophisticated ; a reputation built on perception .
“ Early successes in automation came out of mining . All kinds of scientific and technological advancements have origins in mining also . With technology , it is part of a longer process in the mining industry ,” he says .
Strharsky believes that the recent technological boom we are witnessing across the world is happening so fast
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