EQT Foundation | Critical Mineral Substitutes for the Green Transition
Event details
| Date | 25.02.2026 |
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
Aim: The EQT foundation is seeking breakthrough materials and technologies that reduce our dependence on critical minerals for the net-zero transition. It intends to fund research projects with high-risk, high-impact, deep tech approaches to substituting or drastically reducing the use of critical minerals in key climate technologies.
The foundation is particularly interested in the following topics:
Eligibility: Ideal candidates will have a strong academic track record as well as an entrepreneurial mindset, with a demonstrated or clearly articulated vision for translating their research into the market for impact. Any scientist/researcher associated with an accredited nonprofit University, hospital, or research institution around the world is eligible to apply.
How to Apply: The application form requests details on the applicant, his/her affiliation, a problem statement, and description of the concept being submitted. A technical project plan (up to 5000 characters) is also required, as well as a draft budget; overhead of 10% should be included.
Deadline: 25 February 2026 (11:59 pm CET)
Further information
The foundation is particularly interested in the following topics:
- Substitutes for critical minerals in energy storage and conversion
- Rare-earth-free magnets and machine designs
- Earth-abundant materials for solar, power electronics, and grid technologies
- Circular substitutes: recycling, reuse, and “virtual” substitution
Eligibility: Ideal candidates will have a strong academic track record as well as an entrepreneurial mindset, with a demonstrated or clearly articulated vision for translating their research into the market for impact. Any scientist/researcher associated with an accredited nonprofit University, hospital, or research institution around the world is eligible to apply.
How to Apply: The application form requests details on the applicant, his/her affiliation, a problem statement, and description of the concept being submitted. A technical project plan (up to 5000 characters) is also required, as well as a draft budget; overhead of 10% should be included.
Deadline: 25 February 2026 (11:59 pm CET)
Further information
- More information about the program is available here
- The application portal can be found here
- For any other questions, please contact the Research Office
Practical information
- General public
- Free