EIT RawMaterials ERMA Booster Call 2025

Expired – · Found: 2026-03-13 15:31

EIT RawMaterials open call supporting startups, scale-ups, and advanced extraction/processing/recycling projects. Group 1: up to EUR 1.5M for SMEs/scale-ups; Group 2: up to EUR 2.5M for large recycling projects. Multiple cut-offs throughout 2025. Supports plastic waste recycling and circular value chains.

Source: https://eitrawmaterials.eu/sites/default/files/2025-01/2025-01-27_EIT_RawMaterials_Booster_Call_2025_Guidelines.pdf

Funding Details

Funder

EIT RawMaterials / European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA)

Funding Goal

Support innovative start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs in the raw materials sector (Group 1) with up to EUR 1.5M, and advanced mining, processing and recycling project companies (Group 2) with up to EUR 2.5M, to accelerate the EU critical raw materials value chain through investment, network access, and technical support.

Funding Amount

Group 1 (Start-ups/Scale-ups/SMEs): up to EUR 500,000 (seed) or up to EUR 1,500,000 (late seed to Series A). Group 2 (large projects): up to EUR 2,500,000. (up to 2.500.000 €)

Deadline

2025-09-08 (Fixed)

How to Apply

Online application submitted by one of three cut-off dates (March 24, May 26, September 8, 2025). Group 1 via dedicated online form; Group 2 via separate online forms for listed/non-listed companies. Eligible applicants pitch to evaluation committee after shortlisting.

Target Region

EU Member States and Horizon Europe participating countries; projects must supply EU industry

Contact

EIT RawMaterials Access to Finance team (contact details in call document). Website: eitrawmaterials.eu

Last Checked

2026-03-15 11:10

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Registered legal entity in EU Member State or Horizon Europe participating country
• Group 1: Minimum TRL4 with customer-validated product/service; seeking equity partner
• Group 2: Advanced project at pre-feasibility study (PFS) stage or later; or formally recognised EU Strategic Project

Project Scope

• Innovation must align with one of the EIT RawMaterials Innovation Themes (e.g. recycling, substitution, circular economy)
• Group 2: Secured legally verified recyclable material in sufficient quantities (for recycling projects)

Required Documents

• Online application form submitted by one of the three cut-off dates
• Company profile, technology, business model, financial projections, team, workplan and budget required
• For Group 2: project valuation, investor presentations, recent company accounts, ESG credentials required

Constraints

• EIT RawMaterials will take equity stake — applicants must be willing equity partners
• All funded costs must comply with Horizon Europe cost eligibility rules

Summary

The EIT RawMaterials ERMA Booster Call 2025 is an investment and support programme for companies in the raw materials sector, managed by EIT RawMaterials as part of its role overseeing the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA). The call launched on January 24, 2025, with three submission cut-off dates (March 24, May 26, September 8, 2025). The thematic scope covers the full raw materials value chain: mineral exploration and resource assessment, mining in challenging environments, increased resource efficiency in mineral and metallurgical processes, recycling and material chain optimisation for end-of-life products, substitution of critical and toxic materials, and design for circular economy. Innovation themes are organized around three EIT RawMaterials Lighthouses: Responsible Sourcing, Sustainable Materials, and Circular Societies. Two applicant groups are eligible. Group 1 targets start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs with innovations relevant to raw materials value chains, seeking equity investment of up to EUR 500,000 (seed) or EUR 1.5M (scale-up). Group 2 targets advanced extraction, processing, or recycling projects with EU impact, offering up to EUR 2.5M to fund eligible project costs, including companies seeking EU Strategic Project status. Geographically, applicants must be registered in EU Member States or Horizon Europe participating countries. Group 2 projects must have the intent to supply critical or strategic raw materials to EU member states. Beyond financial support, EIT RawMaterials provides access to network, customers/off-takers, knowledge, talent, and expert coaching. Funding is provided through an equity-based model (services-against-equity framework), meaning EIT RawMaterials takes a stake in selected companies. All funded costs must comply with Horizon Europe eligibility rules. Target beneficiaries are start-ups, SMEs, miners, processors and recyclers contributing to EU critical raw materials resilience, aligned with the Critical Raw Materials Act targets (10% extraction, 40% processing, 25% recycling of CRMs by 2030).

Historical Context

The call is part of EIT RawMaterials' management of ERMA (European Raw Materials Alliance) on behalf of the European Commission. EIT RawMaterials has supported over 800 startups previously. 2025 call launched January 24, 2025 with three cut-off dates throughout the year.

Sources

• https://eitrawmaterials.eu/sites/default/files/2025-01/2025-01-27_EIT_RawMaterials_Booster_Call_2025_Guidelines.pdf

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