Total to launch ‘Plant 4.0’ corporate incubator

Total is launching a ‘Plant 4.0’ corporate incubator to support deployment of digital technologies in its industrial activities.

Digital innovations, sensors, automation, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing, to name just a few, optimise the design, operation and organisation of a ‘Plant 4.0’. The resulting transformations drive operational performance, enhance safety, increase the reliability of industrial units and boost the operational excellence of industrial assets.

This open innovation initiative aims to identify and attract the most groundbreaking Industry 4.0 startups from around the world, and allow them to test their technology, products or services in Total's own operations.

The shortlisted candidates will be presented between March and April 2016 to a panel of managers and experts from Total and its partner Impulse Labs, a specialist in accelerating the growth and success of energy and manufacturing start-ups. The startups selected will be incubated for a period of six months in France and the US at Impulse Labs. This call for international projects focuses on two areas:

Asset optimisation

• Asset integrity and safety.
• Real-time monitoring and optimisation.
• Industrial data analytics and predictive modelling.
• Energy efficiency.
• Cybersecurity.

Augmented operator

• Operation safety and reliability.
• Collaborative processes.
• Augmented interface for simulation, assistance and training.
• Working conditions, corporate wellness and productivity.
• Automation-based assistance.

The businesses will benefit from joining other startups accelerated by Impulse Labs, be able to take advantage of the expertise of both Impulse Labs and Total, and receive incubation-related financing. They will be able to work on concrete applications and, if the project advances well enough, proof of concept at Total.

The incubator adds to Total’s other in-house and external open innovation initiatives. The Group is also planning a preferential contract between the startups and Total Energy Ventures, Total’s venture capital arm, and Total Développement Régional, the organisation that provides financial and other support to small businesses.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/refining/30122015/total-to-launch-plant-40-corporate-incubator-2038/