Materials
The Materials Team at Innovate UK KTN covers a broad scope of the materials life cycle, from feedstock, processing techniques, design and manufacture, testing, standardisation, resource efficiency and circularity.
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We have strong engagement with the entire value chain, from academic researchers, materials developers through to end-users who make products from these materials and businesses who manage end-of-product life issues. We add value in making the connections that matter.
Materials underpin many applications in our economy. Innovative materials science, engineering and technologies make direct and positive impact on economic growth, the environment and quality of life, through improved processes and products, throughout their lifecycle. The impact of materials is forecast to be even greater as businesses respond to the growing trend in electrification of transport, the drive towards net zero emissions and a comprehensive digital economy.
As a team, we work with industry to make sure that new developments in materials find a useful home to improve the UK economy, environment and quality of life. We bring together the materials supply chain to accelerate innovation, improve productivity and ensure resilience in meeting the needs of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users.

Our current focus in this area
Related Opportunities
SSPP: Liquid food and beverages in refillable packaging
Opens: 18/09/2023 Closes: 25/10/2023
Up to £1.5m available to demonstrate a reuse or refill packaging system for liquid food and beverage products, at scale, in a retail chain.
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Global Business Innovation Programme in Canada - Critical Minerals
Opens: 04/09/2023 Closes: 08/10/2023
Innovate UK EDGE are looking for up to 15 businesses with circular solutions for critical minerals and their supply chains to join the GBIP in Canada.
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Rapidly find innovative solutions to tangible materials and manufacturing challenges
Opens: 24/08/2023 Closes: 30/09/2023
Innovate UK is now inviting expressions of interest from those looking to rapidly find innovative solutions to tangible materials and manufacturing challenges.
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Game Changers challenge: Identifying deformities in 500L drums
Opens: 11/08/2023 Closes: 28/09/2023
FIS360’s Game Changers nuclear industry innovation programme seeks a method of inspecting radioactive waste drums.
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Innovation Exchange challenge: Subsea Mattress Sustainable Ties
Opens: 21/08/2023 Closes: 29/09/2023
This challenge seeks sustainable, durable, high-load ties for seabed subsea concrete ‘mattresses’ which are used to protect undersea cables.
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European Commission Plastics Related Funding & tender opportunities
Opens: 01/03/2023 Closes: 22/02/2024
Horizon Europe funding for reducing plastic pollution, pollutant monitoring, circular economy, and biodegradation validation. Various closing dates.
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Related Events and Recordings
Our Experts
Programmes related to Materials

Metamaterials Landscape Map
Connecting the value chain of the UK Metamaterials community with industry, research expertise and business support to drive commercialisation.

Net Zero Chemicals Landscape
Connecting the UK’s growing Chemicals community with industrial collaborators, research-base expertise, investment opportunities and funders.

Circular Critical Materials Supply Chains
This £15 million 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.