Innovative advanced materials and new production processes – reducing dependencies on Critical and Strategic Raw Materials (IA) (Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU and Processes4Planet partnerships)

Overview

Funding for the development of innovative advanced materials and production processes that reduce dependence on critical and strategic raw materials, targeting industries such as energy, mobility, construction, electronics, medical devices, and chemicals. The grant supports safe, sustainable, and scalable solutions aligned with the EU’s strategic autonomy goals.

Who Can Apply

Legal entities established in EU Member States, associated countries, OECD countries, African Union Member States, MERCOSUR, CARIFORUM, Andean Community, and countries with EU strategic raw materials partnerships or relevant trade agreements. Consortia are expected, with restrictions on entities controlled by non-eligible countries.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: €12,500,000 per project. Funding rates and co-funding requirements follow Horizon Europe rules for Innovation Actions (typically 70% for for-profit entities, up to 100% for non-profits).

What Is Funded

• Design and development of innovative advanced materials (IAMs) to substitute or reduce critical and strategic raw materials.
• Industrial process innovations for safer, more sustainable, and cost-efficient production.
• Co-development strategies for IAMs and processes, demonstrated through use cases.
• Adaptation of existing production lines to integrate new materials or processes.
• Application of the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, with data sharing to the Common Data Platform for Chemicals.
• Business case and exploitation strategy development.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Proposals must demonstrate technological readiness for industrial integration, though no explicit TRL range is specified. Solutions should align with SSbD principles and show scalability potential.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-09-21
• Deadline: 2027-02-01

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Horizon Europe Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include a business case and exploitation strategy, with an extended page limit for Part B (3 additional pages).

Post-Award Obligations

• Compliance with Horizon Europe reporting requirements.
• Data sharing with the Common Data Platform for Chemicals (if applicable).
• Potential restrictions on ownership transfers or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries include EU Member States, associated countries, and select third countries with strategic raw materials partnerships. Applications must be submitted in English.

Notes

• Participation is restricted to entities not directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible countries.
• Proposals must contribute to reducing EU dependencies on critical raw materials, as defined by the Critical Raw Materials Act.
• Cooperation with EU Innovation and Substitution Hubs is encouraged.