Deadline: 25-Feb-2026
The EQT Foundation is inviting proposals for its Science Grants Program to support research on substitutes for critical minerals in clean energy technologies. Grants of €25,000–€100,000 fund lab-stage innovations with strong translational potential, helping accelerate solutions for a sustainable, green transition.
Overview of the Program
The EQT Foundation Science Grants Program aims to advance research in critical mineral substitutes to address environmental, social, and supply chain challenges in clean energy technologies. The program focuses on:
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Energy storage and conversion alternatives
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Rare-earth-free magnets and machine designs
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Earth-abundant materials for solar, power electronics, and grid technologies
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Circular substitutes achieved through recycling, reuse, and virtual substitution
The initiative seeks bold scientific solutions with potential for real-world application, bridging the gap between laboratory research and scalable clean energy deployment.
Funding Details
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Grant Amount: €25,000 – €100,000
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Type of Funding: Catalytic, non-dilutive grants
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Purpose: Accelerate laboratory-stage innovations toward translational impact
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Eligibility: Researchers affiliated with accredited nonprofit institutions worldwide
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Researchers affiliated with accredited non-profit research institutions, universities, or research centers
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Projects must focus on critical mineral substitutes for clean energy technologies
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Applicants must demonstrate scientific innovation with strong potential for translation and scalability
How to Apply
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Prepare Proposal: Include project objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and translational potential
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Submit Application: Online submission via the EQT Foundation portal before 25 February 2026, 23:59 CET
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Evaluation: Proposals are reviewed by a panel of scientific, technical, and translational experts
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Interviews: Shortlisted applicants are invited for interviews
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Grant Award: Successful applicants receive non-dilutive funding and access to EQT’s global network
Program Benefits
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Funding to accelerate lab-stage innovations
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Access to technical expertise and industry partners
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Tailored commercialization and founder support
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Networking opportunities with global clean energy and research communities
Expected Outcomes
Grants are expected to:
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Reduce dependence on critical minerals in clean energy technologies
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Enable sustainable, scalable, and competitive alternatives
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Improve performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental impact of green technologies
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Facilitate translation from lab research to industrial deployment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting proposals after the 25 February 2026 deadline
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Focusing on research that does not address critical mineral substitutes
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Lack of translational or real-world application potential
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Failing to demonstrate affiliation with an accredited non-profit institution
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the EQT Foundation Science Grants?
Researchers affiliated with accredited nonprofit institutions worldwide working on critical mineral substitutes.
2. What is the funding range?
Grants range from €25,000 to €100,000 per project.
3. What research areas are eligible?
Eligible areas include energy storage, conversion, rare-earth-free magnets, earth-abundant materials for solar and power electronics, and circular substitutes via recycling or reuse.
4. Is pre-financing provided?
Yes. The grant is non-dilutive and intended to catalyze lab-stage innovations, not equity-based.
5. How will applications be evaluated?
By a panel of scientific, technical, and translational experts, focusing on innovation, scalability, and impact.
6. Are industry partnerships required?
Not required, but access to EQT’s global network and potential partners is provided to accelerate translational impact.
7. When is the application deadline?
25 February 2026, 23:59 CET. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Why It Matters
Clean energy technologies rely heavily on limited critical minerals, which pose supply risks and environmental challenges. By funding innovative substitutes, the EQT Foundation aims to accelerate the green transition, enabling sustainable energy solutions that are scalable, competitive, and socially responsible.
Conclusion
The EQT Foundation Science Grants Program is a strategic opportunity for researchers to advance laboratory-stage innovations in critical mineral substitutes. With funding, expertise, and global networks, recipients can transform scientific discovery into real-world, scalable solutions for a sustainable energy future.
For more information, visit EQT Foundation.