Raw Materials
As the world moves towards a greener future, we are changing the demand profile on certain raw materials. At the same, world population rises, resulting in an ever-increasing demand for energy and products which puts gradual pressure on raw materials (and their supply chains), contributing to the generation of more and more waste.
We believe the chemical and industrial biotechnology community can play a key role in enabling the transition to a Net Zero in the UK, whilst also providing technology solutions to enable a more Circular Economy. Two key areas we have been working in recently are:
- Enabling the UK chemical supply chain for Electric Vehicle Batteries
- Developing a Capability Map for develop the key process technologies required to convert alternative feedstocks into chemical products.
Our team has deep sector expertise that can support you in solving challenges related to Raw Materials and Waste Valorisation. We are working with organisations across the UK to accelerate the transition to Net Zero, supporting innovators develop chemical and industrial biotech solutions, that can help enable a more circular economy.
Related Opportunities
Sustainable bio-based materials and manufacture: CR&D
Opens: 07/03/2023 Closes: 03/05/2023
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £12 million for collaborative research and development. This is to develop step-change improvements to sustainable biomanufacturing in the UK.
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Innovate UK Smart grants: January 2023
Opens: 19/01/2023 Closes: 14/06/2023
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million for game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy. The dates for this round of Smart have been extended to maximise funding opportunities for applicants.
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Semiconductor industry skills and training
Opens: 28/02/2023 Closes: 29/03/2023
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £5 million for initiatives to address shortages across the semiconductor industry for innovative skills, talent, and training projects.
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Circular Critical Materials Supply Chain Event - Webinar
The Circular Critical Materials Supply Chains programme will support the development of resilient UK based supply chains for Rare Earth Elements, with a focus on primary (mine to magnet) and secondary (End of Life to magnet) supply chains.Innovate UK KTN will be hosting an online competition briefing on 5th April, 10.00 – 11.30 and an in-person networking event on 19th April, 10.00 – 16.00.
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Circular Critical Materials Supply Chain Event - Webinar
The Circular Critical Materials Supply Chains programme will support the development of resilient UK based supply chains for Rare Earth Elements, with a focus on primary (mine to magnet) and secondary (End of Life to magnet) supply chains.Innovate UK KTN will be hosting an online competition briefing on 5th April, 10.00 – 11.30 and an in-person networking event on 19th April, 10.00 – 16.00.
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Related News
01/03/2023
The UK’s changing rare earth landscape
Could bacteria, ionic liquids and electronic waste help build the UK supply chains and resilience for EVs, wind turbines and laptops?
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19/10/2022
Findings from the Innovate UK Global Expert Mission on Critical Materials
In May 2022, as part of Innovate UK’s Global Expert Missions Programme commissioned by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) with funding from the Global Research and Innovation Programme (GRIP), a team of UK experts led by Innovate UK KTN visited Canada and the US to improve our understanding of the research and innovation landscape in the field of critical materials.