Vale has launched a challenge to find and fund innovative solutions to minimize the impacts of COVID-19 on communities.
By participating in the Vale COVID-19 Challenge, companies, startups, institutions, universities and professionals in Canada have the chance to receive up to $200,000 in funding for a total investment of up to $1 million.
The three submissions categories are risk monitoring and prevention, patient monitoring and an open section for solutions to address logistics, nutrition, and information systems, among other things.
Assisting Vale’s leadership team in the technical evaluation of the submissions is Dr. Ken Jenkins of Horizon Occupational Health Solutions, Dr. Farrell Cahill of Medisys, Dr. Greg Ross of Health Sciences North Sudbury and Don Duval of NORCAT.
“Around the globe, industries and individuals alike are working diligently to find innovative solutions to combat this invisible enemy,” said Dino Otranto, chief operating officer of Vale’s North Atlantic Operations and Asian Refineries in a press release.
“By launching this challenge globally, we are hoping to expand its reach and accelerate the identification of solutions for our workplace and for the communities in which we live,” added Afzal Jess, Vale chief digital officer in the release.
Solutions must meet the following criteria:
- adherence to the challenges presented
- solution maturity and development stage
- no hazardous exposure to a user’s health
- investment volume compatible with the bid
- accessible by the general population (free of charge or low-cost)
- relevant impact on the community
- scalability potential and readiness
- entrepreneurial and technical capacity of the team - multidisciplinary and complimentary
- can be deployed to the end-user within 15 days from approval
Submissions will be accepted until April 9. Selected applicants will be announced on April 24.
Find more information on the challenge and how to apply here.
