Innovate faster & more efficient by working with our startup network
We develop open innovation initiatives for corporates to solve their most pressing challenges.
Do you want to boost your innovation power with top startups and new ideas?
We are the leading raw materials knowledge and innovation network. Our extensive network in the local innovation ecosystems reaches across the raw materials value chain. Combined with our technical and market intelligence, we are ideally placed to support your innovation roadmap.
Instead of investing heavily in internal development, access ready-made solutions from external innovators — reducing overhead and risk.
Accelerate solution discovery by engaging a global pool of innovators. Our challenge-driven approach accelerates results without the usual bottlenecks of internal R&D.
Focus resources on clearly defined problems with measurable outcomes, that fit your innovation agenda and business strategy.
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Corporate Innovation Challenge
This is the right product for you, if you want to solve a specific, predefined business or technical challenge with a diverse set of perspectives or technologies.
What You Get
We execute a fast-track process to define your challenge, scout globally, and identify the most relevant solutions ready for pilot, adoption.
Leverage our unique global network of startups, scale-ups, and research institutions in the raw materials value chain.
Receive a hand-picked selection of high-potential solution providers — pre-qualified for technical fit, readiness, and impact potential.
Reduce internal scouting and vetting efforts by leveraging our proven network and methodology — saving you months of work.
How it works
We work with your innovation and business teams to scope a clearly defined challenge aligned with your strategic priorities.
The challenge is launched across our European or global innovation network. We actively scout and qualify relevant start-ups, researchers, and SMEs.
We deliver a curated shortlist of the top solutions, along with expert support to assess technical readiness and business impact.
You meet with selected providers to explore collaboration. We facilitate mentoring, matchmaking, and early-stage pilot projects.
Still shaping your challenge or unsure if it's a fit for our support?
What our clients say
Anglo American and EIT RawMaterials’ 2023 Innovation Challenge called for innovations targeting decarbonisation in steelmaking. Together with EIT RawMaterials and our industry peers, BASF and Mitsui & Co., Ltd., we assessed the pitches of the three finalists and selected D-CRBN as the winner of the challenge. We now look forward to supporting them develop their plasma-based CO2 recycling technology with venture-building consultancy support.
Anglo American , Innovation Team
Why work with us?
Leading raw materials network
EIT RawMaterials is Europe’s most active raw materials network, helping you overcome innovation challenges.
De-risked Open Innovation
With our proven framework and processes, we can de-risk your open innovation roadmap.
Custom-fit collaboration models
Whether you are looking for ideas, early-stage startup solutions or tested technology, we got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
We conduct tailored scouting using our deep sector knowledge and innovation network. Startups are vetted based on your defined criteria, including tech readiness, sustainability, and strategic fit.
The full process—from challenge scoping to final matchmaking—typically takes 6–10 months, depending on complexity.
At minimum, your team should participate in challenge definition, review proposals, and offer feedback. Optional involvement includes mentoring, testing, or co-development.
We assess startups based on solution relevance, team capabilities, scalability, and alignment with the raw materials value chain and sustainability goals.
Most activities—including scouting, matchmaking, mentoring, and pitch sessions—are virtual. Some events may be held on-site depending on the challenge and client preferences.
We can support ongoing collaboration between corporates and start-ups, including joint development plans, pilot funding, and access to our European ecosystem.