The EQT Foundation has launched a new open call for its Science Grants program to find breakthrough deeptech solutions that tackle the world’s dependence on critical minerals.
This initiative seeks to solve the bottlenecks caused by a narrow set of minerals essential for climate technologies like batteries and electric motors.
As global demand for clean technologies scales, the supply of these minerals remains concentrated, volatile, and associated with high social costs.
EQT Foundation CEO Cilia Holmes Indahl noted that the green transition cannot scale if it remains constrained by these fragile supply chains.
The program supports “frontier science” that either replaces or radically reduces the use of these critical materials.
The ultimate goal is to move these scientific discoveries from the laboratory into real-world deployment for a more sustainable future.
Research areas of interest include substitutes for minerals in energy storage, rare-earth-free magnets, and earth-abundant materials for solar power.
Innovations in circular substitutes through novel recycling and “virtual” substitution are also being sought.
Funding and benefits
Selected researchers will receive catalytic, non-dilutive grants ranging between €25,000 and €100,000.
This funding is specifically designed to support high-risk, high-impact solutions that might otherwise struggle to find traditional investment.
Beyond capital, grantees gain access to EQT’s global network, which includes technical experts and potential industry partners.
This provides a unique platform to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial impact.
The foundation also offers tailored commercialization and founder support to help scientists navigate the transition from lab to market.
This holistic approach aims to ensure that bold ideas reach a scalable and positive global impact.
Application requirements and eligibility
The call is open to scientists affiliated with accredited nonprofit institutions worldwide.
Applicants should be working on deeptech solutions at the intersection of scientific innovation and climate application.
Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of scientific, technical, and translational experts. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interviews with the EQT Foundation team before final decisions are communicated.
Deadline
Applications for the Science Grants program officially opened on January 27, 2026.
Interested researchers must submit their proposals through the official portal before the window closes on February 25, 2026, at 23:59 CET
Visit EQT Foundation’s deeptech solution call page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
