A tool for tomorrow’s productivity, built with the speed of a startup: Epiroc and SYMX.AI co-develop digital tool for aftermarket optimization
When mining operations span continents, data-driven services can make or break equipment availability and aftermarket performance. Epiroc, a global leader in mining and infrastructure equipment, saw an opportunity to turn raw machine data into operational insights – not just for their own teams, but for customers navigating increasingly complex fleet needs.
In 2024, through Combient Foundry’s Venture Client process, Epiroc launched a call for solutions to build a cloud-based operational profile tool. The goal: provide clear visibility into how machines are actually used in the field to unlock smarter service models, prevent downtime, and enable data-driven aftermarket strategies.
Among the candidates, SYMX.AI, a Canadian startup with deep mining tech expertise, stood out for their agility, industry understanding, and clear grasp of what Epiroc aimed to achieve.
“We came quickly to the how – SYMX.AI already understood the why. That made the collaboration fast and focused from the start.”
– Johannes Claesson, Project Manager – Serviceability & Reliability Engineering at Epiroc
From idea to customer-ready tool in under 4 months
After being selected through Combient Foundry’s Venture Client process in spring 2024, SYMX.AI rapidly turned Epiroc’s concept into a working prototype. Using real machine data from Chile, they built the tool module by module in close collaboration with Epiroc’s team.
Within a few months, machines in both Chile and Australia were connected and streaming data into the system. By the end of the year, the operational profiles tool had reached a near-final version, ready for customer-facing validation, pending final infrastructure integration.
“SYMX.AI brought a clear can-do mindset and the technical maturity to move fast – a great match for the pace we aimed for.”
– Johannes Claesson, Project Manager – Serviceability & Reliability Engineering at Epiroc
“The project with Epiroc validates our expertise in end-to-end data capture, integration and analytics for heavy equipment and sparks new use cases across the mining value chain. We thank the Epiroc team for their trust. Combient Foundry process brought this partnership to life.”
– Ash Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer at SYMX.AI
Six-month customer trial set to validate impact
The jointly developed tool is preparing for a six-month customer trial at a mining site in Australia. The trial will assess how the solution can support smarter aftermarket services planning, including potential improvements in equipment availability and unplanned downtime. The tool is being explored as part of Epiroc’s broader digital aftermarket offering, with SYMX.AI supporting as a technology partner.
“This is exactly where startups shine: helping corporates go from concept to product in record time. SYMX.AI has shown what’s possible when the right partner meets the right challenge.”
– Siiri Pronin, Strategy & Value Creation Lead, Combient Foundry
A venture client process that expands possibilities
Johannes Claesson had not encountered SYMX.AI before entering the Combient Foundry process – but that’s the point.
“Without Foundry’s global reach, we would never have come across SYMX.AI. The process opened up a broader set of possibilities than we could have accessed on our own.”
– Johannes Claesson, Project Manager – Serviceability & Reliability Engineering at Epiroc
This project shows what’s possible when a real business need meets the right startup partner. In just months, the Venture Client approach helped Epiroc move from challenge to a solution now entering customer trials. Explore more industrial startup collaborations at combientfoundry.com/opportunities.
