Deadline: 17-Sep-2026
Vinnova is accepting applications for international research and innovation projects that support the green and digital transition through advancements in raw materials. The funding call is launched under the Raw Materials Partnership for the Green and Digital Transition (RAMP) and offers an indicative budget of more than €34 million for collaborative projects across the raw materials value chain.
Projects must address one of six designated topics related to raw materials and be submitted by an international consortium consisting of at least three partners from three participating countries. Swedish participants can receive up to €420,000 in funding per project.
What Is the Vinnova RAMP Funding Call?
The Vinnova RAMP Call is an international funding initiative designed to support research and innovation projects that address challenges and opportunities within the raw materials sector. The program aims to strengthen sustainable raw material supply chains and accelerate Europe’s transition toward a greener and more digitally advanced economy.
This is the first funding call launched under the Raw Materials Partnership for the Green and Digital Transition (RAMP), which focuses on promoting innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness throughout the raw materials value chain.
Key Funding Highlights
- Funding program: Raw Materials Partnership for the Green and Digital Transition (RAMP)
- Funding organization: Vinnova and participating international funding agencies
- Total indicative budget: More than €34 million
- Maximum Vinnova funding for Swedish participants: €420,000 per project
- Project type: Research and innovation projects
- Application model: International collaborative consortium
- Minimum consortium size: Three partners from three participating countries
- EU participation requirement: At least two partners from EU Member States or associated countries
Focus Areas of the Funding Call
The call supports projects that contribute to innovation and sustainability across the entire raw materials value chain. Applicants must select the topic that best aligns with their project’s objectives and expected impact.
1. Raw Materials Exploration
Projects may focus on improving the discovery and identification of raw materials through innovative exploration methods and technologies.
Examples include:
- Geological exploration technologies
- Resource identification systems
- Digital mapping tools
- Data-driven exploration methods
- Sustainable exploration practices
2. Primary Raw Material Supply
This topic supports innovations that improve the extraction, processing, and availability of raw materials.
Examples include:
- Sustainable mining solutions
- Extraction technologies
- Raw material processing innovations
- Supply chain resilience initiatives
- Resource efficiency improvements
3. Design and Production
Projects can focus on making products and manufacturing processes more resource-efficient and sustainable.
Examples include:
- Eco-design strategies
- Sustainable manufacturing technologies
- Material optimization
- Resource-efficient production methods
- Circular product design
4. Use of Raw Materials
This area focuses on improving how raw materials are used throughout industrial and commercial applications.
Examples include:
- Efficient material utilization
- Industrial process optimization
- Resource productivity improvements
- Smart material management systems
- Digital resource monitoring technologies
5. Reuse and Recycling
Projects may support the transition to a circular economy through improved recovery and recycling of materials.
Examples include:
- Advanced recycling technologies
- Material recovery solutions
- Reuse systems
- Waste reduction innovations
- Circular economy business models
6. Research and Innovation Across the Value Chain
This topic encourages broader innovation initiatives that address multiple stages of the raw materials ecosystem.
Examples include:
- Cross-sector collaboration projects
- Integrated value chain solutions
- Emerging technologies
- System-wide innovation strategies
- Multi-stakeholder research initiatives
Understanding the Raw Materials Value Chain
The raw materials value chain refers to the complete lifecycle of raw materials, from discovery and extraction to reuse and recycling.
Key stages include:
- Exploration and resource identification
- Extraction and mining
- Processing and refining
- Manufacturing and production
- Product use and consumption
- Collection and recovery
- Reuse and recycling
Projects funded through this call should demonstrate how they contribute to improving one or more stages of this value chain.
Who Is Eligible?
Applications must be submitted through an international consortium.
Consortium Requirements
To be eligible, the consortium must:
- Include at least three independent partners
- Represent at least three participating countries
- Include a minimum of two partners from EU Member States or associated countries
Eligible Organizations
Potential applicants may include:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Technology centers
- Innovation organizations
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Large industrial companies
- Industry associations
- Public-private partnerships
Applicants should also review any country-specific eligibility rules established by participating funding agencies.
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
The availability of sustainable raw materials is essential for Europe’s long-term economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and environmental goals.
Supporting the Green Transition
Raw materials are fundamental to:
- Renewable energy technologies
- Electric vehicle manufacturing
- Battery production
- Sustainable infrastructure development
- Clean energy systems
Innovations in this area help reduce environmental impacts while improving resource efficiency.
Supporting the Digital Transition
Critical raw materials are essential for:
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Electronics production
- Telecommunications equipment
- Data infrastructure
- Advanced digital technologies
Improving access to sustainable raw materials strengthens technological innovation and competitiveness.
Advancing the Circular Economy
The funding call encourages solutions that promote:
- Recycling
- Resource recovery
- Material reuse
- Waste reduction
- Sustainable consumption
These activities contribute to more resilient and efficient industrial systems.
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Topic
Applicants must select one of the six available topics that best matches:
- Project objectives
- Research activities
- Expected outcomes
- Intended impact
Choosing the correct topic is important because proposals are evaluated within their selected category.
Step 2: Form an Eligible Consortium
Ensure the consortium:
- Meets all minimum partner requirements
- Includes international representation
- Brings together complementary expertise
- Satisfies EU participation criteria
Step 3: Develop a Strong Proposal
The application should clearly describe:
- The challenge being addressed
- Proposed innovation
- Research methodology
- Expected results
- Sustainability benefits
- Economic impact
- Collaboration strategy
Step 4: Demonstrate Expected Impact
Applicants should explain how the project will contribute to:
- Sustainable raw materials management
- Green transition objectives
- Digital transition goals
- Resource efficiency
- Industrial competitiveness
- Innovation capacity
Step 5: Submit the Application
Follow the official submission procedures, timelines, and requirements established by Vinnova and participating funding organizations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following common issues:
- Selecting a topic that does not align with project objectives
- Building a consortium with insufficient expertise or diversity
- Providing weak explanations of project impact
- Failing to demonstrate relevance to the raw materials value chain
- Ignoring consortium eligibility requirements
- Overlooking country-specific funding rules
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is RAMP?
RAMP stands for Raw Materials Partnership for the Green and Digital Transition. It is an international initiative supporting research and innovation projects focused on sustainable raw materials.
How much funding is available?
The indicative budget for the call exceeds €34 million and may increase if additional funding organizations join the initiative.
How much funding can Swedish participants receive?
Swedish participants may receive up to €420,000 per project through Vinnova.
Who can apply?
Applications must be submitted by transnational consortia consisting of at least three partners from three participating countries.
What topics are covered?
The call covers exploration, primary supply, design and production, use, reuse, recycling, and broader research and innovation activities across the raw materials value chain.
Why are raw materials important for the green transition?
Raw materials are essential for renewable energy technologies, batteries, electric vehicles, and sustainable industrial systems.
Why are raw materials important for digital technologies?
Raw materials are critical components in semiconductors, electronics, telecommunications systems, and digital infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Vinnova RAMP Call represents a significant opportunity for research institutions, universities, businesses, and innovation organizations working on sustainable raw materials solutions. With an indicative funding budget exceeding €34 million, the initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s green and digital transition by supporting collaborative projects across the entire raw materials value chain.
Organizations planning to apply should focus on building strong international partnerships, selecting the most suitable topic area, and clearly demonstrating environmental, technological, and economic impact. Projects that advance sustainability, circular economy principles, resource efficiency, and innovation are likely to be well-positioned for success.
For more information, visit Vinnova.