Applications open for Magnet Hub Grant Scheme (UK)

The Magnet Hub Grant Scheme provides up to £20 million to establish a national facility that will accelerate rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing in the United Kingdom. As part of the UK Government’s £50 million Critical Minerals Programme, the scheme supports innovation, skills development, resilient supply chains, and domestic manufacturing capability for critical minerals.

Program Overview

The Magnet Hub Grant Scheme aims to establish a world-class national facility that will strengthen the UK’s capability in rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing.

The program supports the development of advanced manufacturing technologies, technical skills, and innovation while helping build resilient domestic supply chains for critical minerals. The selected project will provide shared access to specialist equipment, support industry collaboration, and contribute to the UK’s long-term economic growth and supply chain resilience.

All funded activities must be carried out in the United Kingdom and completed by 31 March 2030.

Grant at a Glance

• Program: Magnet Hub Grant Scheme
• Country: United Kingdom
• Funding Program: Critical Minerals Programme
• Total Grant Funding Available: Up to £20 million
• Wider Government Programme: £50 million Critical Minerals Programme
• Project Location: United Kingdom
• Project Completion Deadline: 31 March 2030
• Eligible Lead Applicants: UK-registered businesses, universities, academic institutions, and research and technology organizations

Program Objectives

The scheme aims to:

• Scale rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing in the UK.
• Strengthen the UK’s leadership across the rare earth value chain.
• Develop technical skills and workforce capability.
• Support innovative manufacturing technologies and processes.
• Provide industry with access to specialist manufacturing equipment.
• Strengthen domestic manufacturing capability.
• Increase supply chain resilience and diversity.
• Support long-term economic growth and national economic security.

Funding Priorities

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following priorities:

• Rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing.
• Advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Critical minerals supply chains.
• Research and innovation.
• Workforce development and technical training.
• Manufacturing equipment and infrastructure.
• Industrial collaboration.
• Supply chain resilience.
• Domestic production capability.

Understanding the Program

Rare earth permanent magnets are essential components used in technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, consumer electronics, defence equipment, and advanced manufacturing.

The Magnet Hub Grant Scheme is designed to establish a national centre that supports research, innovation, manufacturing, and skills development while reducing reliance on overseas supply chains.

The selected organization will help create a shared national resource that enables businesses, researchers, and industry partners to develop and commercialize innovative manufacturing technologies.

About the Critical Minerals Programme

The Magnet Hub competition forms part of the UK Government’s £50 million Critical Minerals Programme, announced in June 2026.

The broader program supports:

• Secure critical mineral supply chains.
• Domestic manufacturing.
• Economic resilience.
• Industrial innovation.
• National competitiveness.
• Sustainable economic growth.

The initiative contributes to the objectives of the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy by strengthening domestic production capacity and reducing supply chain risks.

Eligible Project Activities

Projects may include activities such as:

• Establishing a national magnet manufacturing facility.
• Developing advanced manufacturing processes.
• Research and development.
• Technology demonstration.
• Skills development and workforce training.
• Industry collaboration.
• Shared access to specialist manufacturing equipment.
• Manufacturing innovation.
• Supply chain development.

Why This Grant Matters

Rare earth permanent magnets are critical to many modern industries and emerging technologies.

The Magnet Hub Grant Scheme helps the UK:

• Strengthen domestic manufacturing.
• Increase innovation capacity.
• Build technical expertise.
• Support clean energy technologies.
• Improve supply chain resilience.
• Reduce dependence on international suppliers.
• Enhance industrial competitiveness.
• Create long-term economic opportunities.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications may be submitted by:

• A single eligible organization.
• A consortium led by one eligible organization.

Eligible lead applicants include:

• UK-registered businesses.
• Universities.
• Academic institutions.
• Research and technology organizations.

Eligible Project Partners

The following organizations may participate as project partners:

• Charities.
• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Public sector organizations.

However, these organizations cannot serve as the lead applicant.

Funding Information

Funding details include:

• Maximum Grant Funding: Up to £20 million
• Funding Source: Critical Minerals Programme
• Project Completion Deadline: 31 March 2030

Applicants should request only the minimum level of funding necessary to deliver the proposed project.

Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Be carried out in the United Kingdom.
• Support rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing.
• Deliver value for money.
• Contribute to innovation and manufacturing capability.
• Strengthen workforce skills.
• Improve domestic supply chain resilience.
• Complete all grant-funded activities by 31 March 2030.

Expected Outcomes

Successful projects should deliver:

• Increased UK manufacturing capacity.
• Advanced magnet manufacturing technologies.
• Improved workforce skills.
• Stronger research and innovation capability.
• Greater industry collaboration.
• Shared access to specialist manufacturing equipment.
• More resilient critical mineral supply chains.
• Long-term economic and industrial benefits.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the following steps:

1. Confirm that your organization is eligible to act as the lead applicant.
2. Decide whether to apply individually or as a consortium.
3. Develop a project that aligns with the program objectives.
4. Prepare a detailed implementation plan and project timeline.
5. Demonstrate how the project will strengthen UK manufacturing and supply chains.
6. Prepare a realistic budget and request only the funding required.
7. Explain how the project delivers value for money.
8. Submit the completed application before the official deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying as an ineligible lead organization.
• Requesting more funding than necessary.
• Failing to demonstrate value for money.
• Proposing projects outside the UK.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Providing unclear implementation plans.
• Failing to explain long-term industry benefits.

Tips for a Strong Application

To strengthen your application:

• Clearly explain the national significance of the project.
• Demonstrate strong technical capability.
• Show collaboration across industry and research.
• Present measurable outcomes.
• Include realistic milestones and timelines.
• Explain how the project strengthens UK manufacturing.
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability and industry impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Magnet Hub Grant Scheme?

Lead applicants must be UK-registered businesses, universities, academic institutions, or research and technology organizations. Applications may also be submitted by eligible consortia.

How much funding is available?

The competition provides up to £20 million in grant funding.

Can charities apply as the lead applicant?

No. Charities, not-for-profit organizations, and public sector organizations may participate as project partners but cannot act as the lead applicant.

Where must the project be carried out?

All grant-funded activities must take place within the United Kingdom.

When must projects be completed?

All funded activities must be completed by 31 March 2030.

What types of activities are supported?

The program supports activities such as advanced manufacturing, research and development, workforce training, technology innovation, manufacturing infrastructure, and shared specialist equipment.

What makes a strong application?

Strong applications clearly demonstrate innovation, value for money, technical expertise, industry collaboration, measurable impact, and alignment with the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy.

Conclusion

The Magnet Hub Grant Scheme represents a major investment in the future of rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing in the United Kingdom. By providing up to £20 million to establish a national manufacturing facility, the program will strengthen innovation, technical skills, domestic production capacity, and resilient critical mineral supply chains, supporting the UK’s long-term industrial competitiveness and economic security.