Product / Equipment Innovation
of the Year

This category recognizes groundbreaking innovations in tunnelling and underground construction equipment or products that significantly advance the state of the art. Eligible innovations must go beyond incremental improvements, introducing transformative capabilities that enhance efficiency, safety, and performance in underground applications.

Eligible projects in this category must feature product or equipment innovations that have been implemented in tunnelling or underground space projects between March 1, 2022, and April 1, 2025.

Evaluation Criteria:

The judging panel will assess nominations based on their ability to introduce novel solutions that improve equipment and material applications. Consideration will be given to innovations that:

• strong>Introduce a New or Unique Application of Equipment or Products – Expanding the functional scope or efficiency of tunnelling technology.
• Enable New Capabilities – Advancing the design, performance, or functionality of equipment or materials beyond standard evolution.
• Improve Cost-Effectiveness – Delivering innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Enhance Safety – Increasing the safety of equipment use, reducing risks, and improving worker protection.
• Incorporate Research & Development – Engaging universities, research institutions, or laboratories to validate and refine innovations.
• Demonstrate Proven Effectiveness – Innovations must have undergone full-scale testing within the eligible period, with supporting evidence from laboratory trials or real-world applications.

Submission Requirements:

Nominations must provide a detailed description of the innovation’s impact, supported by data, case studies, or test results that demonstrate its success in real-world conditions.

Recognition & Impact:

Award-winning innovations will redefine industry standards, setting new benchmarks for performance, safety, and efficiency in underground construction. These breakthroughs will serve as catalysts for further advancements, driving progress in the tunnelling and underground space sector.