Deadline: October 01, 2025
The Circular Materials Innovation Awards provide funding to London-based start-ups and small businesses developing innovative, commercially viable materials that contribute to advancing a circular economy.
Focus areas of this award include showcasing material innovations that support the circular economy, whether the materials are made from waste or designed to work with nature. The awards seek solutions that translate scientific innovations into valuable and exportable products across sectors such as textiles, plastics and packaging, and construction. The awards prioritize innovations supporting circular processes like reduce, reuse, repair, and remanufacture. Eligible materials include those made from waste, surplus or byproducts, and new materials with functionality that works within closed-loop systems to lower carbon reliance or increase recycling, reuse, or remanufacturing.
This funding opportunity is targeted at innovative materials businesses based in London, eligible if they have developed or are developing materials tested in real-world environments at advanced prototype stages (Technology Readiness Level 6 or above). Eligible enterprises must be SMEs with fewer than 250 employees, registered in London, and not subsidiaries of larger companies. The awards exclude very early-stage innovations not tested in real environments, development of fuels representing downcycling, and artisanal upcycling without development of new materials.
Applicants must complete an application form by October 1, 2025, detailing their innovations and how the grant will support their growth and positive environmental impact. The process includes eligibility screening, scoring against clear criteria, and a pitch to an expert panel. Five winners will be selected and receive grant awards: £20,000 Gold (1 award), £12,000 Silver (2 awards), and £5,000 Bronze (2 awards). The funding is flexible and eligible expenditures include salaries, running costs, equipment, research materials, legal and marketing costs supporting near-term commercial goals.
The awards recognize innovations demonstrating industrial resilience, economic competitiveness, and environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved end-of-life scenarios. Winners will also benefit from publicity and exposure via ReLondon and partner networks to support their market growth.
For more information, visit ReLondon.
