Tony Nieto is a leader in mining and minerals technology & innovation with over 20 years of experience in academia and the industry. Nieto has held various prestigious academic and executive positions globally, including Director of the Mining and Minerals Tech and Research Center with FLS, as Chief Technology Officer at The Mining Collaborative Research Center in Australia. He has also served as VP of Innovation & Technology at Gold Fields. Dr. Nieto served as Chair and Full Professor at Wits University, as well as a Professor at Penn State University. He currently serves as Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah, further enriching his academic engagement. Nieto's expertise focuses on mineral economics, mining operations research, and tech-innovation corporate strategy. He holds a Ph.D. and MSc from the Colorado School of Mines, an MSc in Geostatistics from the École des Mines de Paris, and a BSc in Mining & Metallurgy Engineering from the Guanajuato School of Mines. Dr. Nieto is the author of the book, The 5S Innovation Model for the Minerals Industry, published in January 2024, and he is a co-author of the SME Minerals Engineering Handbook. Tony Nieto's unique integration of academic expertise and industry leadership uniquely positions him as a transformative figure in both sectors. His understanding of scientific research and corporate technology strategy, combined with his extensive experience in diverse educational settings and executive roles, allows him to bridge theory and practice effectively. This dual perspective promotes innovation to drive strategic initiatives empowering him to inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders in technology and innovation. Through his visionary approach, Dr. Nieto is poised to continue promoting innovation in the academic and industry landscape, driving advancements that resonate within society.