MORE than 70 information technology experts converged on Perth over the weekend to solve the resource industry’s leading production problems as part of the annual 54-hour innovation marathon, Unearthed.

Held at Perth’s Resource Innovation and Information Technology Centre, the 2015 event attracted software developers, designers, data scientists and students to develop technology prototypes designed to overcome challenges faced by the mining, oil and gas sectors.

Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum Bill Marmion was present to launch the event.

“Sustainability and growth means not just extracting our minerals and energy but mining our human resources as well, building on innovation and exporting that expertise around the world,” he said.

“The State Government is backing the event with $25,000 in sponsorship because we’re backing the jobs that the rapidly growing tech sector is generating.”

Following resounding success in its inaugural year of 2014, Unearthed has this year expanded to be held in four states over the coming months.

“The inaugural 2014 event produced 18 high-quality prototypes,” Mr Marmion said.

“In the past year one of those prototypes – designed to save the Western Australian iron ore industry more than $100 million per year – has gone on to advanced development, with the designers forming a company and working with a technology accelerator towards commercialisation.

“I am excited to see an event that delivers real results, especially with technologies which increase efficiency and reduce costs – both crucial factors in the competitive world of mines and petroleum.”

Resource Innovation and Information Technology director Justin Strharsky said the event was an opportunity to tap into talent pools where new solutions might be found, advancing Australia as a global leader in technology.

“Australian mining has experienced a steady decline in productivity over the past decade and most stakeholders believe part of the solution lies in innovation and the ability of the mining industry to more quickly adopt new technologies,” he said.

Outstanding participants were offered only one of 10 places in the Unearthed accelerator six-month program designed to help form new start-up companies and connect them to industry mentors and clients.

The three remaining Unearthed events for 2015 are set for Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and will take place over the coming months.