EIT RawMaterials outlines the ERMA Booster Call, a new initiative supporting innovative startups and projects in Europe’s raw materials sector, promoting sustainability and reducing dependence on imports.
Sustainability is a priority for economies worldwide, and the European Union is taking significant strides to bolster its raw materials sector through innovative initiatives.
EIT RawMaterials is the largest and most active raw materials knowledge and innovation network globally, comprising over 300 partner organisations across the entire raw materials value chain. EIT RawMaterials demonstrates its dedication to advancing and supporting a circular economy in Europe by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices. Mandated by the European Commission, EIT RawMaterials leads the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA), which includes more than 750 members and an advanced project pipeline of over 40 projects, representing an investment potential of more than €25 billion.
A central component of EIT RawMaterials’ strategy is the ERMA Booster Call, which is designed to provide crucial funding and support to innovative startups and projects in mining and recycling that can promote the development and sustainable sourcing of critical raw materials. This initiative aligns perfectly with the objectives outlined in the Critical Raw Materials Act, which aims to enhance Europe’s resilience and independence in critical material supply chains. The ERMA Booster Call plays a vital role in fostering a more robust and self-sufficient raw materials sector, ensuring that Europe can achieve its strategic goals in the transition to a green economy.
The ERMA Booster Call
The ERMA Booster Call is a funding and support initiative to accelerate innovation in Europe’s raw materials sector. It targets startups, scale-ups, SMEs, and NEWLY large-scale projects working on mining, processing, and recycling technologies that contribute to a more sustainable and circular European economy.
With up to €2.5m available for eligible projects, this funding call is open to the following groups who can demonstrate market relevance, stability and a clear business case.
Eligible Start-ups at the forefront of innovation in raw and advanced materials can receive funding up to €0.5m.
Eligible Scale-Ups and SMEs focusing on cutting-edge innovation in raw and advanced materials can receive up to €1.5m.
Eligible mining projects and recycling projects with advanced extraction, processing, or recycling capabilities can receive up to €2.5m.
Key Objectives:
• Strengthen Europe’s raw materials independence – Reducing reliance on imports by fostering local innovation.
Support game-changing ideas – Encouraging breakthroughs in extraction, processing, and recycling.
Drive sustainability and circularity – Aligning with the EU Green Deal and Critical Raw Materials Act.
Bridge the funding gap – Providing up to €1.5m for innovators and €2.5m for large projects.
By combining investment, industry connections, and technical support, the ERMA Booster Call is a launchpad for companies looking to make a real impact on Europe’s raw materials ecosystem.
Application and selection
The application process is designed to be clear, competitive, and results-driven. Here’s how it works:
Online application – companies present their business model, technology, and market potential.
Eligibility check – EIT RawMaterials ensures the proposal aligns with funding criteria.
Shortlisting and due diligence – a reality check on the company’s potential, including investment viability.
Online pitching session – shortlisted applicants pitch to an evaluation panel of experts and investors.
Evaluation and ranking – Projects are scored based on their innovation, market readiness, impact, and feasibility.
Final Selection & Negotiation – approved projects negotiate funding terms, often including equity-based support.
Funding and support activation – successful applicants receive financial backing plus access to expertise, industry networks, and commercial partnerships.
From initial idea to market entry
The ERMA Booster Call is designed to guide innovations through every stage – from concept to commercial success:
Early innovation and validation
In the initial stage of the innovation process, a promising idea is developed into a working prototype. To confirm the viability of the idea, initial customer validation is conducted. This critical step involves gathering feedback from potential users and stakeholders, ensuring that the product meets market needs and that there is genuine demand for what is being developed.
Scaling and investment
Once the prototype has been validated, the project enters the scaling and investment phase. Here, the Booster Call provides the essential funding that enables companies to effectively develop and scale their technology. This financial support is crucial for accelerating growth and enhancing product offerings. During this period, organisations refine their business models to achieve sustainable profitability. They also work on assembling strong and capable teams and preparing for industrial-scale operations. This comprehensive preparation lays the foundation for successful market entry.
Market entry and growth
With a solid foundation, startups connect with EIT RawMaterials’ expansive partner network, a valuable resource for accessing customers, investors, and industry mentors. This network facilitates meaningful relationships that can lead to collaboration and support. Furthermore, the startups receive assistance securing reliable supply chains, obtaining regulatory approvals, and setting up distribution channels. These elements ensure a seamless transition from development to commercial launch, minimise potential disruptions and maximise market impact.
Impact and Expansion
The innovation becomes commercially viable, significantly contributing to Europe’s sustainable raw materials ecosystem. This success not only reinforces the product’s value but also enhances the company’s reputation within the industry. As the organisation grows, it attracts further investment and forges new partnerships, which are essential for expanding its reach and capabilities. This ongoing development fosters a cycle of innovation and improvement, positioning the company for long-term success and sustainability in the ever-evolving market landscape.
The ERMA Booster Call helps turn promising raw materials innovations into market-ready, high-impact businesses by offering financial and strategic support.
Common obstacles for startups and SMEs
The raw materials sector presents unique challenges for innovators. Some of the biggest hurdles include:
High capital requirements
One of the most significant hurdles is the high capital requirement. Mining, processing, and recycling necessitate substantial upfront investment due to the sophisticated technologies and infrastructure involved. Innovators often find that the financial barriers can be prohibitive, limiting access to the resources needed to develop new solutions and technologies. This situation is exacerbated by the need for extensive research and development, as well as the costs associated with acquiring or building operational facilities.
Regulatory complexity
Companies must navigate strict environmental, safety, and compliance regulations, particularly in regions like the EU, where standards are exceptionally high. This necessity for compliance can be daunting for startups, as failure to adhere to regulations can result in costly delays or even project termination. As such, innovators often require assistance in understanding and managing these compliance challenges to ensure their projects remain viable and sustainable.
Market access and scaling
Securing customers and forging strategic partnerships is essential for growth, yet many new entrants lack the established networks that facilitate these connections. Without a solid customer base or support from key players in the supply chain, startups may find it challenging to move from the development phase to successful market entry. This gap can hinder the scalability of innovative solutions that could otherwise contribute significantly to the industry.
Technology risks
Innovators face the intricate task of proving their concepts through rigorous testing, which can be both time-consuming and costly. The potential for failure at various stages in this process adds to the reluctance of investors to commit funds, thereby further complicating the journey for many startups.
How the ERMA Booster call helps
• Funding support – direct investment helps de-risk innovative projects.
Regulatory guidance – access to industry experts simplifies compliance challenges.
Industry partnerships – the EIT RawMaterials network connects startups to key players in the supply chain.
Strategic coaching – mentorship from business and technical experts helps companies scale effectively.
Comprehensive support
EIT RawMaterials offers a full spectrum of support services aimed at empowering companies to thrive in the raw materials sector. One significant aspect of this support is access to finance. Beyond the funding available through the ERMA Booster Call, EIT RawMaterials assists companies in attracting additional investments and securing various grants that are essential for their growth and innovation initiatives.
In terms of market and customer access, the organisation helps businesses forge valuable connections with potential buyers, suppliers, and partners, thereby facilitating crucial offtake agreements that can significantly impact their market presence and sales potential.
EIT RawMaterials also places a strong emphasis on providing technical and business expertise. Companies benefit from personalised coaching and mentorship from seasoned industry professionals, accomplished scientists, and experienced business mentors who can guide them through the complexities of the raw materials landscape.
Talent development is another key area of focus, granting companies access to a pool of skilled professionals through the EIT RawMaterials Academy. This initiative aims to cultivate talent that is well-equipped to address the challenges and demands of the industry.
Finally, EIT RawMaterials offers invaluable regulatory and sustainability guidance, helping companies navigate the intricate landscape of EU environmental and safety regulations. This assistance ensures that businesses not only comply with these standards but also adopt sustainable practices that align with the broader goals of environmental responsibility and innovation. Together, these support elements create a robust framework that enables companies to succeed and grow in the competitive raw materials market.
The EIT RawMaterials partner network
The EIT RawMaterials network is the largest of its kind in the world, bringing together over 300 partners from across the raw materials value chain, including:
Industry leaders – large mining, processing, and manufacturing companies.
Universities and research institutions – providing cutting-edge technology and expertise.
Investors and financial backers – helping companies secure funding beyond the ERMA Booster Call.
Government and regulatory bodies – ensuring alignment with EU policies and sustainability goals.
Companies gain unparalleled access to funding, customers, and industry knowledge by tapping into this network.
Sustainability and circularity
Sustainability and circularity are at the heart of Europe’s raw materials strategy.
Europe faces a substantial challenge due to its heavy reliance on foreign-sourced critical raw materials, underscoring the necessity for developing robust domestic solutions. This dependency poses risks to the stability and security of supply chains, making it imperative for the region to invest in its resources and capabilities. In parallel, the European Union’s ambitious Green Deal clearly mandates significant reductions in carbon emissions and waste across various sectors.
To support these goals, increasing recycling and reuse becomes crucial. Circular practices can significantly minimise waste generation and reduce the need to extract new raw materials from the environment. By maximising the lifecycle of products and materials, Europe can lower its ecological footprint while simultaneously fostering innovation in recycling technologies.
Additionally, the transition towards a sustainable raw materials sector holds the potential to boost economic resilience. Focusing on local resource production and processing creates numerous job opportunities, promotes skills development, and strengthens local supply chains. This strategy not only contributes to economic stability but also aligns with broader sustainability objectives, positioning Europe as a leader in responsible resource management and environmental stewardship.
EIT RawMaterials is leading the change by funding technologies that create Europe’s more sustainable, efficient, and circular raw materials supply.
The evolution of sustainable raw materials
Raw materials are the foundation of the global green transition, underpinning various technological advancements and sustainable practices.
One of the most significant trends is the surging demand for critical materials, propelled by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, which rely heavily on batteries, as well as the broader shift towards renewable energy sources. Materials such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements have become indispensable in manufacturing advanced technologies, highlighting the need for sustainable sourcing and supply chain management.
Moreover, a pronounced shift towards circularity is reshaping the landscape of raw material usage. Governments and industries are increasingly focusing on recycling and reusing materials to mitigate waste and promote sustainability. This approach not only conserves natural resources but also reduces the environmental footprint associated with traditional extraction methods.
In response to the evolving demands of the sector, companies are actively developing innovative extraction and processing techniques that are both low-carbon and environmentally friendly. These advancements reflect a commitment to minimising ecological harm while enhancing operational efficiency in the mining sector.
Amid these developments, the European Union is asserting its leadership in the global sustainability movement. Europe is enacting comprehensive policies that encourage ethical sourcing practices and impose stringent regulations aimed at minimising environmental impact. By positioning itself at the forefront of these efforts, Europe aims to set a benchmark for responsible resource management and sustainable development worldwide.
The Booster Call remains open throughout 2025, with the following deadlines:
Cut-off 1: March 24, 2025
Cut-off 2: May 26, 2025
Cut-off 3: September 8, 2025.
Another key date for the diary is the EIT RawMaterials Summit, set to return for its seventh edition in Brussels from 13-15 May, 2025. This year’s summit will showcase an engaging Start-up Village, where innovative enterprises will present their groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Additionally, an Investor Day will connect promising start-ups with potential investors, fostering collaboration and growth within the industry. Attendees can also look forward to ample networking opportunities, enabling professionals and stakeholders to establish valuable connections and share insights about the latest trends and challenges in the raw materials field. This summit is a must-attend event for anyone looking to be at the forefront of advancements in this vital sector.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 21st edition of our quarterly publication.
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