Together we can shape a strong, sustainable raw materials sector in Europe

The European Green Deal has put a tremendous spotlight on the raw materials sector to deliver innovation, education and new technologies at an unprecedented pace and scale. It will cause an industrial shift that puts the environment, societal responsibility for our human capital and efficient governance at the centre of every business model practice. This transformation will lead to scales of innovation not seen before and will turn the industry into a powerhouse of innovation and change.

The EIT RawMaterials Call for Innovation & Education Projects offers funding to project consortiums from industry, research and education to upscale solutions linked to a sustainable raw materials value chain in Europe. There are also funding opportunities for modern education programmes to skill and train a new generation of talented and entrepreneurial minds, empowering them to be a driving force in Europe’s raw materials sector.

Who can apply

All organisations that are eligible for funding under the Horizon Europe programme can apply. You do not have to be an existing partner organisation of EIT RawMaterials to apply for funding, but by becoming one, you will gain access to a valuable source of expertise and potential collaborators. They will work with you and help build your consortium if, or when, you decide to apply for funding.

We also encourage our partners and stakeholders from industry, research, and education, including start-ups and SMEs, to submit new project proposals. These projects should demonstrate how they will impact significantly on European industrial competitiveness, innovation capacity, and human capital, as well as empower students and entrepreneurs advancing the circular economy and the green and digital transition goals of the European Green Deal.

Strengthening sustainable innovation ecosystems across Europe

EIT RawMaterials Lighthouse programmes reflect the most pressing needs of the raw materials value chain.

• Responsible Sourcing Lighthouse leads the innovation in mineral exploration, responsible sourcing and processing of raw materials for Europe’s green future.
• Sustainable Materials Lighthouse guides innovation in the making, using, and recycling of sustainable and cost-efficient raw materials for future green mobility and energy.
• Circular Societies Lighthouse fosters innovation in the radical shift to a circular economy and society enabling economic growth and carbon-neutrality.

Investing in novel education and disruptive innovation

Disruptive innovations in the raw materials sector will bring transformative breakthroughs for a greener future. New research and deployment of the latest technology, as well as the introduction of sustainability and ESG practice, will shape the world’s leading raw materials sector in Europe and attract young talents, and EIT RawMaterials will support their scaling up.

Europe aims to become a global innovation powerhouse. Higher Education institutions will become a hotspot for future talent developing deep tech solutions to global challenges. In fact, EIT RawMaterials will support the mission to skill up 1 million students in Deep Tech by 2025. EIT RawMaterials will support new project proposals for PhD Summer & Winter Schools and Master Programmes, as well as Lifelong Learning activities for professionals already working in the raw materials sector.

The Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) remains a strong focus of our Call for Innovation & Education Projects (KAVA 11). RIS projects are a platform for fostering collaboration and boosting innovation in the RIS countries and regions. Please note, all submitted proposals should support financial sustainability.