Bora Ugurgel is the managing director for the Ultra-Deep Mining Network (UDMN) and the chief operating officer at the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI). Prior to this position, he established the Innovation and Prosperity Office (IPO). His position at CEMI brings him face to face with local SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to identify innovation opportunities and to focus research and development funding that accelerates commercialization activities to generate economic development for the region. He connects with the community and other service providers to complement existing agencies while bridging service gaps through mining-specific innovation support. Ugurgel has significant background experience in the financial and technical needs of a start-up business and has developed close collaborations with industry, government and funding agencies that benefit innovators from the private and public sectors.