Request for Proposals: Development of Critical & Strategic Materials Training Courses for the European Raw Materials Sector
EIT RawMaterials invites proposals from qualified organisations and consortia to develop self-paced digital training courses for the European Raw Materials Academy and European Advanced Materials Academy. The assignment addresses 10 high-priority skills gaps, spanning five industries from mining and geological exploration to semiconductor manufacturing, defence and dual-use systems, battery production, and materials recycling. Up to two providers may be appointed to develop practical, case-based training for professionals working across the European raw materials value chain.
1.Overview
1.1.EU Raw Materials Academy and EU Advanced Materials Academy
The European Raw Materials Academy (RM Academy) and the European Advanced Materials Academy (AM Academy) are flagship initiatives funded by the European Commission to support the upskilling and reskilling of Europe’s raw and advanced materials workforces. In response to growing demands for sustainability, digitalisation, and industrial resilience, the Academy aims to close critical skills gaps across the entire materials value chain — from exploration and processing to recycling and circularity, and substitution using advanced materials. Designed to serve professionals, SMEs, large enterprises, and public authorities alike, the Academy projects will offer a portfolio of high-quality, future-oriented learning programmes aligned with evolving labour market needs and EU policy priorities, such as the Critical Raw Materials Act, the Pact for Skills, the Net Zero Industry Act, and the Green Deal Industrial Plan.
1.2. EIT Raw Materials
EIT RawMaterials is a ‘Knowledge and Innovation Community’ (KIC) created by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), aimed at promoting innovation in the raw materials sector across Europe. Established in 2015, EIT RawMaterials works to secure the sustainable supply of raw materials to the European industry by driving innovation, education, and entrepreneurship along the entire raw materials value chain.
We are a knowledge-driven business and a catalyst for industrial progress. Our offerings leverage our expertise and that of our network – the world's largest network in the raw and advanced materials sector – which includes companies at every stage of evolution, from start-ups to market leaders, along with leading international universities, research organisations, and top experts and future talent from the sector.
Our activities span from mining and mineral processing to material recycling and substitution, focusing on increasing resource efficiency and fostering a circular economy.
We inform policy, apply knowledge, accelerate innovation, create opportunity, and unlock commercial value – for our partners and customers throughout the raw materials value chain to develop the raw materials sector as a strategic strength and foundation for a secure, sustainable future for Europe.
Our offerings are designed to help our partners and industry to be part of Europe’s strategic agenda to ensure supply chain security and make the ‘Green New Deal’ a reality that benefits the people of Europe and partner nations.
For more information about our company please visit the following website: https://eitrawmaterials.eu/
2. Purpose
The procurement will support the development of training that:
- Translates complex technical requirements across the raw materials value chain in areas such as exploration, surveying and resource characterisation; advanced processing and materials application; circularity and recycling of critical materials; and supply chain resilience into accessible professional learning.
- Supports Europe's supply chain autonomy and the EU's CRM Act 2030 targets through policy-aligned, industry-relevant training.
- Uses real European industry cases, applied reasoning, and expert feedback from materials practitioners.
- Produces accessible, reusable, and updateable digital learning assets.
Courses must focus on practical implementation and process-specific content rather than simply providing general critical & strategic raw materials awareness. The primary target audience is working professionals (such as workshop employees, technicians, and leadership), with graduates entering the sector and professionals in adjacent engineering roles defined as secondary audiences, and policy makers as tertiary audiences.
3. Scope of Services
3.1. Raw Materials Academy Scope
The sector need focuses on the exploration, sourcing and processing of materials essential to EU strategic autonomy — rare earth elements for dual-use systems, semiconductor materials such as gallium and germanium, geological surveying for battery minerals, and sustainable mining practices.
Additionally, advanced scoping has commenced on a Data Driven Integrated Mineral Exploration learning pathway so applications around Data Processing and Machine Learning and GIS and Spatial Data Modelling for Mineral Exploration are also invited.
Detailed skill codes and requirements are provided in the full RFP. Proposals must clearly identify the skills and subject areas addressed.
4. Applied Course Design and Delivery
Every course must provide practical, case-based learning grounded in adult learning principles. Course designs should include clear learning objectives, realistic industry scenarios, practical activities, structured feedback, and appropriate summative assessments. Expected learner effort in hours must be stated and justified.
Courses must be:
- Produced in British English
- Delivered as SCORM 1.2-compatible packages
- Tested for deployment on the Academy learning platform
- Designed in accordance with WCAG 2.2 accessibility standards and inclusive design principles
- Delivered with complete, transferable source files
- Inclusive of at least one Starter Pack (as described in the RfP)
5. Proposal Process
3.1. Participation
Participation in this proposal procedure is open to all tenderers. Please complete the accompanying proposal template, entitled, “EIT RM Proposal Briefing Sheet”.
All participants must sign the Tenderers’ declaration form attached and submit it with the proposal.
Please note that the tenderer may not modify the text, it must be submitted signed as provided by EIT RawMaterials attached to this request for proposal document.
3.2. Submission of proposal
- Publication of the RfP: Aug 17, 2026
- Deadline for questions: Sept 7, 2026
- Answers published: Sept 14, 2026
- Submission deadline: Oct 12, 2026
- Evaluation and clarifications: Oct 26, 2026
- Award decision and notification: Nov 9, 2026
- Contract signature and start: Nov 30, 2026
- Delivery of all courses: Contract-specific, but no later than six months of contract signature
Proposals should be submitted as a single PDF document by email to adnan.hardwarewala@eitrawmaterials.eu, with the subject line 'RfP CRM' - [organisation name]'.
