The EIT Raw Materials Accelerator Connects startup teams with potential customers from the EIT RawMaterials partner network ready to adopt innovations. The program connects local and national ecosystems with the pan-European network of pilot and test infrastructure facilities, as well as with potential customers. The EIT RawMaterials Accelerator aims to develop startups so they can quickly become suppliers and perhaps future partners of the network. The accelerator focuses on the exploration, mining, processing, recycling, and substitution of raw materials, as well as the creation of a circular economy.
The three phases of the accelerator
The accelerator program consists of three phases. Applications for Phase 1 are still possible until March 3. Entry into later phases is not planned.
Phase 1 – Exploration: For 3 months, startups receive expert business coaching with a focus on the proof of concept of their business models and the exploration of their market niche.
Phase 2 – Build: For a period of 6 months, participants receive support in validating customer needs and verifying business assumptions while identifying criteria for market entry.
Phase 3 – Growth: During the 6 to 9-month growth phase, the accelerator prepares startups for market entry, raising funding, and expanding their team.
Between each phase, startups must be approved to enter the next phase. The support offered in each phase includes group work, individual coaching, and anchoring the startups in their local and national ecosystems. At the same time, introductions to partners of the EIT RawMaterials Innovation Community are provided at the pan-European level.
About EIT RawMaterials
EIT Raw Materials, initiated and funded by the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology), an agency of the European Union, is considered the world's largest consortium in the raw materials sector. Its mission is to enable the sustainable competitiveness of the European minerals, metals, and materials sector along the value chain. To this end, it promotes innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.
All information about the Accelerator and the online application can be found here.
