#Sweden #Stockholm #Critical Minerals #EQT Foundation #Science Grants

EQT Foundation Launches Groundbreaking Grant Program for Science

The EQT Foundation has recently announced the launch of its new Science Grants program, seeking innovative proposals that address the crucial issue of dependency on critical minerals within the realm of clean technology. This initiative aims to provide vital funding and support for researchers dedicated to finding substitutes for these essential materials.

Addressing a Critical Challenge

As the global push for a greener future intensifies, the lion's share of technologies essential to this transition, such as batteries, electric motors, and solar panels, largely relies on a limited number of critical minerals. These resources not only have volatile supply chains but are also often tied to significant environmental and social challenges. With the increasing demand for clean technology solutions, this dependency poses pressing risks of bottleneck effects, escalating costs, and hindered decarbonization efforts.

To mitigate these challenges, the EQT Foundation is offering grants ranging from €25,000 to €100,000 to researchers who can develop high-risk, high-impact deeptech alternatives. The foundation particularly encourages proposals that take bold scientific routes toward reducing or replacing critical minerals without compromising technological efficiency or sustainability.

Focus Areas for Research

The EQT Foundation's grant program invites research submissions that prioritize the following focus areas:
1. Critical Minerals Substitutes: Innovative solutions aiming to replace scarce critical materials in energy storage and conversion technologies, ensuring manufacturability and competitiveness.
2. Rare-Earth-Free Innovations: Development of machine designs and alternative materials that can significantly reduce or entirely eliminate the use of rare earth elements in vital components such as motors and generators.
3. Earth-Abundant Materials: Research into materials for solar energy, power electronics, and grid technologies that function effectively while minimizing reliance on limited resources.
4. Circular Economy Approaches: Projects centered on recycling, reusing, and innovating recovery processes to decrease demand for virgin critical minerals and promote sustainable practices.

Aiming for a Scalable Impact

Cilia Holmes Indahl, CEO of the EQT Foundation, emphasizes the importance of breaking free from traditional reliance on fragile supply chains. She believes the green transition's success hinges on supporting pioneering scientists who can develop new materials and technologies capable of changing clean energy frameworks.

In addition to direct funding, recipients of the grants will have the unique opportunity to connect with EQT's extensive global network, which includes industry partners, technical experts, and personalized commercialization support. This is designed to help bridge the gap from academic research to real-world application and implementation.

Timeline for Applications

The application window for this grant program opens on January 27, 2026, and will remain open until February 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM CET. Proposals will undergo a thorough review by a panel of experts before a shortlist of candidates is selected for interviews with the EQT Foundation team.

Candidates are encouraged to submit their innovative ideas through the EQT Foundation's website: EQT Foundation Grant Submission.

Conclusion

The EQT Foundation's initiative represents a crucial step forward in tackling the intertwined challenges of critical mineral reliance and the urgent need for sustainable, scalable green technologies. By supporting groundbreaking scientific efforts, the foundation hopes to accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon future and foster a new generation of clean energy solutions.