Registration open
Challenge: Void Detection
POC planned for 2027
Mature, ready-to-use solutions
Open innovation to accelerate solutions in mining
Open innovation to accelerate solutions in mining
who we are
Innovation is part of our journey
At Nexa, innovation is a strategic pillar for building an increasingly safe, efficient, and sustainable mining industry. We believe in collaboration as a way to accelerate the transformation of the sector and generate value for the business.
Our open innovation ecosystem brings together different initiatives to connect partners with Nexa's challenges. The Mining Lab Plug & Play is aimed at companies and startups with mature solutions, ready to be tested and scaled.
Escalab is a deep tech solutions center at UFMG, in partnership with CIT-SENAI, specializing in transforming technologies into high-impact solutions for industry. Its work covers the curation, development, validation, and scaling of technologies, connecting research, market, and innovation to accelerate the implementation of solutions to technological challenges.
Over the past seven years, Escalab has developed more than 150 technologies for the mining, metallurgy, and chemical industries.
The Mining Innovation Hub of Peru is an association established by mining companies to foster innovation and collaboration across the sector, driving collaborative projects and co-development initiatives to address industry challenges.
Mining Hub is the mining industry's first open innovation hub. We orchestrate ecosystem players to collaborate, solve challenges, and generate value through innovation by connecting mining companies, suppliers, startups, and other partners.
THE PROGRAM
IDENTIFY AND VALIDATE EXISTING SOLUTIONS
IDENTIFY AND VALIDATE EXISTING SOLUTIONS
Challenge
01
Real-world opportunities and problems in mining that require applicable solutions.
Challenge
01
Real-world opportunities and problems in mining that require applicable solutions.
Solution
02
Proven technologies ready to be applied in an operational environment.
Solution
02
Proven technologies ready to be applied in an operational environment.
Test
03
Practical validation of solutions in the field, evaluating performance and fit with the operational context.
Test
03
Practical validation of solutions in the field, evaluating performance and fit with the operational context.
Test
03
Practical validation of solutions in the field, evaluating performance and fit with the operational context.
Implementation
04
Potential deployment in operations, depending on test results and business decisions (adoption is not guaranteed).
Implementation
04
Potential deployment in operations, depending on test results and business decisions (adoption is not guaranteed).
Unlike accelerator programs or new technology development programs, this initiative seeks companies that already have mature solutions ready for application, reducing the time between identifying an opportunity and testing it in the field.
Unlike accelerator programs or new technology development programs, this initiative seeks companies that already have mature solutions ready for application, reducing the time between identifying an opportunity and testing it in the field.
CHALLENGE
2026 cHALLENGE
Void Detection
Detecting and monitoring voids in underground operations is fundamental to supporting decision-making and strengthening operational safety.
In this challenge, we seek solutions capable of sizing and characterizing voids more efficiently, accurately, and reliably. Technologies with a level of maturity compatible with conducting a proof of concept in 2027 will be prioritized.
What we are looking for
Ready-to-use solutions.
Technologies that have been validated or are already being used in the field.
Companies with the capacity to execute a proof of concept in a short timeframe.
Partners with proven experience in similar challenges.
CHALLENGE
2026 cHALLENGE
Void Detection
Detecting and monitoring voids in underground operations is fundamental to supporting decision-making and strengthening operational safety.
In this challenge, we seek solutions capable of sizing and characterizing voids more efficiently, accurately, and reliably. Technologies with a level of maturity compatible with conducting a proof of concept in 2027 will be prioritized.
What we are looking for
Ready-to-use solutions.
Technologies that have been validated or are already being used in the field.
Companies with the capacity to execute a proof of concept in a short timeframe.
Partners with proven experience in similar challenges
CHALLENGE
2026 CHALLENGE
Void Detection
Detecting and monitoring voids in underground operations is fundamental to supporting decision-making and strengthening operational safety.
In this challenge, we seek solutions capable of sizing and characterizing voids more efficiently, accurately, and reliably. Technologies with a level of maturity compatible with conducting a proof of concept in 2027 will be prioritized.
What we are looking for
Ready-to-use solutions.
Technologies that have been validated or are already being used in the field.
Companies with the capacity to execute a proof of concept in a short timeframe.
Partners with proven experience in similar challenges
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR?
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR?
Companies, technology providers, and late-stage startups that have solutions already developed and ready for validation.
Companies, technology providers, and late-stage startups that have solutions already developed and ready for validation.
Companies, technology providers, and late-stage startups that have solutions already developed and ready for validation.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WITH:
✔ Functional and well-developed solution
✔ Use cases, pilot programs, or clients
✔ Dedicated technical team
✔ Ability to provide support during the proof of concept phase
✔ Available for implementation in 2027
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT INTENDED FOR:
✖ Ideas in the conceptual phase
✖ Technologies in early stages of development
✖ Projects that require significant development before validation
✖ Solutions lacking minimal evidence of application or functionality
WE ARE LOOKING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WITH:
✔ Functional and well-developed solution
✔ Use cases, pilot programs, or clients
✔ Dedicated technical team
✔ Ability to provide support during the proof of concept phase
✔ Available for implementation in 2027
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT INTENDED FOR:
✖ Ideas in the conceptual phase
✖ Technologies in early stages of development
✖ Projects that require significant development before validation
✖ Solutions lacking minimal evidence of application or functionality
BENEFITS
Benefits for participants
Benefits for participants
Connection with mining experts
Interact directly with professionals involved in the challenge.
Validation in a real operational environment
Test your technology in a Nexa operation and generate concrete evidence of performance.
Potential for new opportunities
Demonstrate the value of your solution in a real-world business context.
Agile and results-oriented process
A structured journey to accelerate the evaluation and validation of technologies.
Visibility in the ecosystem
Participate in an initiative connected to the challenges and opportunities of mining.
Connection with mining experts
Interact directly with professionals involved in the challenge.
Validation in a real operational environment
Test your technology in a Nexa operation and generate concrete evidence of performance.
Validation in a real operational environment
Test your technology in a Nexa operation and generate concrete evidence of performance.
Potential for new opportunities
Demonstrate the value of your solution in a real-world business context.
Visibility in the ecosystem
Participate in an initiative connected to the challenges and opportunities of mining.
Agile and results-oriented process
A structured journey to accelerate the evaluation and validation of technologies.
BENEFITS
Benefits for participants
Connection with mining experts
Interact directly with professionals involved in the challenge.
Validation in a real operational environment
Test your technology in a Nexa operation and generate concrete evidence of performance.
Potential for new opportunities
Demonstrate the value of your solution in a real-world business context.
Agile and results-oriented process
A structured journey to accelerate the evaluation and validation of technologies.
Visibility in the ecosystem
Participate in an initiative connected to the challenges and opportunities of mining.
Connection with mining experts
Interact directly with professionals involved in the challenge.
Validation in a real operational environment
Test your technology in a Nexa operation and generate concrete evidence of performance.
Potential for new opportunities
Demonstrate the value of your solution in a real-world business context.
Visibility in the ecosystem
Participate in an initiative connected to the challenges and opportunities of mining.
Agile and results-oriented process
A structured journey to accelerate the evaluation and validation of technologies.
TIMELINE
Important dates in our journey
Important dates in our journey
Important dates in our journey
10/01/2026
Registrations
Applications will be submitted via the program's official platform. At this stage, interested companies may apply by presenting an overview of their proposal and experience, based on the information available regarding the challenge.
11/16/2026
10/01/2026
Registrations
Applications will be submitted via the program's official platform. At this stage, interested companies may apply by presenting an overview of their proposal and experience, based on the information available regarding the challenge.
11/16/2026
11/17/2026
Solution Pitch
The pre-selected companies will participate in an initial pitch, where they will have the opportunity to learn more about the challenge, clarify any questions, and access additional information. Subsequently, they will present their solutions in greater detail and specificity. From this stage, the solution that best meets the identified need and the conditions of the Minas Gerais unit will be selected.
12/18/2026
11/17/2026
Solution Pitch
The pre-selected companies will participate in an initial pitch, where they will have the opportunity to learn more about the challenge, clarify any questions, and access additional information. Subsequently, they will present their solutions in greater detail and specificity. From this stage, the solution that best meets the identified need and the conditions of the Minas Gerais unit will be selected.
12/18/2026
January
Immersion
The selected company will work together with Nexa to structure the Proof of Concept (PoC), defining the scope, success indicators, execution schedule, and aspects related to the contract.
January
Immersion
The selected company will work together with Nexa to structure the Proof of Concept (PoC), defining the scope, success indicators, execution schedule, and aspects related to the contract.
February
POC Execution
The solution will be validated in an operational environment, in accordance with the previously defined scope, schedule, and indicators.
April
February
POC Execution
The solution will be validated in an operational environment, in accordance with the previously defined scope, schedule, and indicators.
April
February
Final presentation
At the end of the program, the results obtained during the PoC validation will be presented jointly with the client area. Based on these results, the potential for applying and integrating the solution into operations will be evaluated.
April
February
Final presentation
At the end of the program, the results obtained during the PoC validation will be presented jointly with the client area. Based on these results, the potential for applying and integrating the solution into operations will be evaluated.
April
Escalab is a deep tech solutions center at UFMG, in partnership with CIT-SENAI, specializing in transforming technologies into high-impact solutions for industry. Its work covers the curation, development, validation, and scaling of technologies, connecting research, market, and innovation to accelerate the implementation of solutions to technological challenges.
Over the past seven years, Escalab has developed more than 150 technologies for the mining, metallurgy, and chemical industries.
The Mining Innovation Hub of Peru is an association established by mining companies to foster innovation and collaboration across the sector, driving collaborative projects and co-development initiatives to address industry challenges.
Mining Hub is the mining industry's first open innovation hub. We orchestrate ecosystem players to collaborate, solve challenges, and generate value through innovation by connecting mining companies, suppliers, startups, and other partners.
WHO WE ARE
Innovation is part of our journey
At Nexa, innovation is a strategic pillar for building an increasingly safe, efficient, and sustainable mining industry. We believe in collaboration as a way to accelerate the transformation of the sector and generate value for the business.
Our open innovation ecosystem brings together different initiatives to connect partners with Nexa’s challenges. The Mining Lab Plug & Play is aimed at companies and startups with mature solutions, ready to be tested and scaled.
Escalab is a deep tech solutions center at UFMG, in partnership with CIT-SENAI, specializing in transforming technologies into high-impact solutions for industry. Its work covers the curation, development, validation, and scaling of technologies, connecting research, market, and innovation to accelerate the implementation of solutions to technological challenges.
Over the past seven years, Escalab has developed more than 150 technologies for the mining, metallurgy, and chemical industries.
The Mining Innovation Hub of Peru is an association established by mining companies to foster innovation and collaboration across the sector, driving collaborative projects and co-development initiatives to address industry challenges.
Mining Hub is the mining industry's first open innovation hub. We orchestrate ecosystem players to collaborate, solve challenges, and generate value through innovation by connecting mining companies, suppliers, startups, and other partners.
WHO WE ARE
Innovation is part of our journey
At Nexa, innovation is a strategic pillar for building an increasingly safe, efficient, and sustainable mining industry. We believe in collaboration as a way to accelerate the transformation of the sector and generate value for the business.
Our open innovation ecosystem brings together different initiatives to connect partners with Nexa’s challenges. The Mining Lab Plug & Play is aimed at companies and startups with mature solutions, ready to be tested and scaled.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Who can participate?
Can I apply with an idea or technology under development?
Does my solution need to have been applied beforehand?
What challenges will be addressed in the program?
How does the selection process work?
When will the proof of concept be carried out?
Where will the proof of concept be carried out?
Is there a possibility of continuity after the POC?
Who is responsible for the costs of the proof of concept?
Is the information submitted confidential?
Who owns the intellectual property for the solutions developed in the program?
Your solution can contribute to the future of mining!
Your solution can contribute to the future of mining!
Registration open
Challenge: Void Detection
POC planned for 2027
Mature, ready-to-use solutions
Open innovation to accelerate solutions in mining
Open innovation to accelerate solutions in mining
who we are
Innovation is part of our journey
At Nexa, innovation is a strategic pillar for building an increasingly safe, efficient, and sustainable mining industry. We believe in collaboration as a way to accelerate the transformation of the sector and generate value for the business.
Our open innovation ecosystem brings together different initiatives to connect partners with Nexa's challenges. The Mining Lab Plug & Play is aimed at companies and startups with mature solutions, ready to be tested and scaled.
Escalab is a deep tech solutions center at UFMG, in partnership with CIT-SENAI, specializing in transforming technologies into high-impact solutions for industry. Its work covers the curation, development, validation, and scaling of technologies, connecting research, market, and innovation to accelerate the implementation of solutions to technological challenges.
Over the past seven years, Escalab has developed more than 150 technologies for the mining, metallurgy, and chemical industries.
The Mining Innovation Hub of Peru is an association established by mining companies to foster innovation and collaboration across the sector, driving collaborative projects and co-development initiatives to address industry challenges.
Mining Hub is the mining industry's first open innovation hub. We orchestrate ecosystem players to collaborate, solve challenges, and generate value through innovation by connecting mining companies, suppliers, startups, and other partners.
THE PROGRAM
IDENTIFY AND VALIDATE EXISTING SOLUTIONS
IDENTIFY AND VALIDATE EXISTING SOLUTIONS
Challenge
01
Real-world opportunities and problems in mining that require applicable solutions.
Challenge
01
Real-world opportunities and problems in mining that require applicable solutions.
Solution
02
Proven technologies ready to be applied in an operational environment.
Solution
02
Proven technologies ready to be applied in an operational environment.
Test
03
Practical validation of solutions in the field, evaluating performance and fit with the operational context.
Test
03
Practical validation of solutions in the field, evaluating performance and fit with the operational context.
Test
03
Practical validation of solutions in the field, evaluating performance and fit with the operational context.
Implementation
04
Potential deployment in operations, depending on test results and business decisions (adoption is not guaranteed).
Implementation
04
Potential deployment in operations, depending on test results and business decisions (adoption is not guaranteed).
Unlike accelerator programs or new technology development programs, this initiative seeks companies that already have mature solutions ready for application, reducing the time between identifying an opportunity and testing it in the field.
Unlike accelerator programs or new technology development programs, this initiative seeks companies that already have mature solutions ready for application, reducing the time between identifying an opportunity and testing it in the field.
CHALLENGE
2026 cHALLENGE
Void Detection
Detecting and monitoring voids in underground operations is fundamental to supporting decision-making and strengthening operational safety.
In this challenge, we seek solutions capable of sizing and characterizing voids more efficiently, accurately, and reliably. Technologies with a level of maturity compatible with conducting a proof of concept in 2027 will be prioritized.
What we are looking for
Ready-to-use solutions.
Technologies that have been validated or are already being used in the field.
Companies with the capacity to execute a proof of concept in a short timeframe.
Partners with proven experience in similar challenges.
CHALLENGE
2026 cHALLENGE
Void Detection
Detecting and monitoring voids in underground operations is fundamental to supporting decision-making and strengthening operational safety.
In this challenge, we seek solutions capable of sizing and characterizing voids more efficiently, accurately, and reliably. Technologies with a level of maturity compatible with conducting a proof of concept in 2027 will be prioritized.
What we are looking for
Ready-to-use solutions.
Technologies that have been validated or are already being used in the field.
Companies with the capacity to execute a proof of concept in a short timeframe.
Partners with proven experience in similar challenges
CHALLENGE
2026 CHALLENGE
Void Detection
Detecting and monitoring voids in underground operations is fundamental to supporting decision-making and strengthening operational safety.
In this challenge, we seek solutions capable of sizing and characterizing voids more efficiently, accurately, and reliably. Technologies with a level of maturity compatible with conducting a proof of concept in 2027 will be prioritized.
What we are looking for
Ready-to-use solutions.
Technologies that have been validated or are already being used in the field.
Companies with the capacity to execute a proof of concept in a short timeframe.
Partners with proven experience in similar challenges
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR?
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR?
Companies, technology providers, and late-stage startups that have solutions already developed and ready for validation.
Companies, technology providers, and late-stage startups that have solutions already developed and ready for validation.
Companies, technology providers, and late-stage startups that have solutions already developed and ready for validation.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WITH:
✔ Functional and well-developed solution
✔ Use cases, pilot programs, or clients
✔ Dedicated technical team
✔ Ability to provide support during the proof of concept phase
✔ Available for implementation in 2027
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT INTENDED FOR:
✖ Ideas in the conceptual phase
✖ Technologies in early stages of development
✖ Projects that require significant development before validation
✖ Solutions lacking minimal evidence of application or functionality
WE ARE LOOKING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WITH:
✔ Functional and well-developed solution
✔ Use cases, pilot programs, or clients
✔ Dedicated technical team
✔ Ability to provide support during the proof of concept phase
✔ Available for implementation in 2027
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT INTENDED FOR:
✖ Ideas in the conceptual phase
✖ Technologies in early stages of development
✖ Projects that require significant development before validation
✖ Solutions lacking minimal evidence of application or functionality
BENEFITS
Benefits for participants
Benefits for participants
Connection with mining experts
Interact directly with professionals involved in the challenge.
Validation in a real operational environment
Test your technology in a Nexa operation and generate concrete evidence of performance.
Potential for new opportunities
Demonstrate the value of your solution in a real-world business context.
Agile and results-oriented process
A structured journey to accelerate the evaluation and validation of technologies.
Visibility in the ecosystem
Participate in an initiative connected to the challenges and opportunities of mining.
Connection with mining experts
Interact directly with professionals involved in the challenge.
Validation in a real operational environment
Test your technology in a Nexa operation and generate concrete evidence of performance.
Validation in a real operational environment
Test your technology in a Nexa operation and generate concrete evidence of performance.
Potential for new opportunities
Demonstrate the value of your solution in a real-world business context.
Visibility in the ecosystem
Participate in an initiative connected to the challenges and opportunities of mining.
Agile and results-oriented process
A structured journey to accelerate the evaluation and validation of technologies.
BENEFITS
Benefits for participants
Connection with mining experts
Interact directly with professionals involved in the challenge.
Validation in a real operational environment
Test your technology in a Nexa operation and generate concrete evidence of performance.
Potential for new opportunities
Demonstrate the value of your solution in a real-world business context.
Agile and results-oriented process
A structured journey to accelerate the evaluation and validation of technologies.
Visibility in the ecosystem
Participate in an initiative connected to the challenges and opportunities of mining.
Connection with mining experts
Interact directly with professionals involved in the challenge.
Validation in a real operational environment
Test your technology in a Nexa operation and generate concrete evidence of performance.
Potential for new opportunities
Demonstrate the value of your solution in a real-world business context.
Visibility in the ecosystem
Participate in an initiative connected to the challenges and opportunities of mining.
Agile and results-oriented process
A structured journey to accelerate the evaluation and validation of technologies.
TIMELINE
Important dates in our journey
Important dates in our journey
Important dates in our journey
10/01/2026
Registrations
Applications will be submitted via the program's official platform. At this stage, interested companies may apply by presenting an overview of their proposal and experience, based on the information available regarding the challenge.
11/16/2026
10/01/2026
Registrations
Applications will be submitted via the program's official platform. At this stage, interested companies may apply by presenting an overview of their proposal and experience, based on the information available regarding the challenge.
11/16/2026
11/17/2026
Solution Pitch
The pre-selected companies will participate in an initial pitch, where they will have the opportunity to learn more about the challenge, clarify any questions, and access additional information. Subsequently, they will present their solutions in greater detail and specificity. From this stage, the solution that best meets the identified need and the conditions of the Minas Gerais unit will be selected.
12/18/2026
11/17/2026
Solution Pitch
The pre-selected companies will participate in an initial pitch, where they will have the opportunity to learn more about the challenge, clarify any questions, and access additional information. Subsequently, they will present their solutions in greater detail and specificity. From this stage, the solution that best meets the identified need and the conditions of the Minas Gerais unit will be selected.
12/18/2026
January
Immersion
The selected company will work together with Nexa to structure the Proof of Concept (PoC), defining the scope, success indicators, execution schedule, and aspects related to the contract.
January
Immersion
The selected company will work together with Nexa to structure the Proof of Concept (PoC), defining the scope, success indicators, execution schedule, and aspects related to the contract.
February
POC Execution
The solution will be validated in an operational environment, in accordance with the previously defined scope, schedule, and indicators.
April
February
POC Execution
The solution will be validated in an operational environment, in accordance with the previously defined scope, schedule, and indicators.
April
February
Final presentation
At the end of the program, the results obtained during the PoC validation will be presented jointly with the client area. Based on these results, the potential for applying and integrating the solution into operations will be evaluated.
April
February
Final presentation
At the end of the program, the results obtained during the PoC validation will be presented jointly with the client area. Based on these results, the potential for applying and integrating the solution into operations will be evaluated.
April
Escalab is a deep tech solutions center at UFMG, in partnership with CIT-SENAI, specializing in transforming technologies into high-impact solutions for industry. Its work covers the curation, development, validation, and scaling of technologies, connecting research, market, and innovation to accelerate the implementation of solutions to technological challenges.
Over the past seven years, Escalab has developed more than 150 technologies for the mining, metallurgy, and chemical industries.
The Mining Innovation Hub of Peru is an association established by mining companies to foster innovation and collaboration across the sector, driving collaborative projects and co-development initiatives to address industry challenges.
Mining Hub is the mining industry's first open innovation hub. We orchestrate ecosystem players to collaborate, solve challenges, and generate value through innovation by connecting mining companies, suppliers, startups, and other partners.
WHO WE ARE
Innovation is part of our journey
At Nexa, innovation is a strategic pillar for building an increasingly safe, efficient, and sustainable mining industry. We believe in collaboration as a way to accelerate the transformation of the sector and generate value for the business.
Our open innovation ecosystem brings together different initiatives to connect partners with Nexa’s challenges. The Mining Lab Plug & Play is aimed at companies and startups with mature solutions, ready to be tested and scaled.
Escalab is a deep tech solutions center at UFMG, in partnership with CIT-SENAI, specializing in transforming technologies into high-impact solutions for industry. Its work covers the curation, development, validation, and scaling of technologies, connecting research, market, and innovation to accelerate the implementation of solutions to technological challenges.
Over the past seven years, Escalab has developed more than 150 technologies for the mining, metallurgy, and chemical industries.
The Mining Innovation Hub of Peru is an association established by mining companies to foster innovation and collaboration across the sector, driving collaborative projects and co-development initiatives to address industry challenges.
Mining Hub is the mining industry's first open innovation hub. We orchestrate ecosystem players to collaborate, solve challenges, and generate value through innovation by connecting mining companies, suppliers, startups, and other partners.
WHO WE ARE
Innovation is part of our journey
At Nexa, innovation is a strategic pillar for building an increasingly safe, efficient, and sustainable mining industry. We believe in collaboration as a way to accelerate the transformation of the sector and generate value for the business.
Our open innovation ecosystem brings together different initiatives to connect partners with Nexa’s challenges. The Mining Lab Plug & Play is aimed at companies and startups with mature solutions, ready to be tested and scaled.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Who can participate?
Can I apply with an idea or technology under development?
Does my solution need to have been applied beforehand?
What challenges will be addressed in the program?
How does the selection process work?
When will the proof of concept be carried out?
Where will the proof of concept be carried out?
Is there a possibility of continuity after the POC?
Who is responsible for the costs of the proof of concept?
Is the information submitted confidential?
Who owns the intellectual property for the solutions developed in the program?