Deadline Date: May 27, 2026
The Innovate UK is seeking grant applications to support innovation in battery-grade materials and boost UK electrification and manufacturing resilience.
The key priorities of this funding competition include supporting collaborative research and development in critical areas of the battery value chain, strengthening material processing and extraction capabilities including mining, refining, recycling, and recovery of critical materials, enhancing supply chain security, and building resilient multi-sector manufacturing capacity aligned with national strategic priorities.
This programme is part of the Battery Innovation Programme and is designed to accelerate innovation within the UK battery sector. It focuses on developing scalable solutions that strengthen domestic production, reduce reliance on overseas processing, and support the transition towards a more secure and self-sufficient battery materials ecosystem.
The competition aims to support innovation in battery-grade material technologies for electrification, ensuring the development and scale-up of UK battery manufacturing capability. It encourages projects that demonstrate clear pathways from laboratory research to pilot and pre-commercial manufacturing within the UK.
Applicants are expected to show how their innovations enable consistent, high-quality battery materials suitable for large-scale cell manufacturing. The programme also prioritises solutions that improve recovery and recycling of critical materials, ensuring they can be reintroduced into UK manufacturing processes at high quality standards.
Further emphasis is placed on supporting supply chain localisation in line with rules of origin requirements and strengthening industrial-scale recycling and material circularity. These measures aim to build a more resilient and sustainable battery supply chain in the UK.
Eligible projects must request between £500,000 and £4 million in total grant funding. Only UK-registered organisations may apply, and all project activities must be carried out within the UK with a clear intention to exploit results domestically. Projects must begin on the first day of a month following approval of the grant offer.
Overall, this funding competition plays a key role in advancing the UK’s battery innovation ecosystem by supporting large-scale material development and strengthening national electrification capabilities.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
