EQT Foundation Opens Funding Programme to Support Deeptech Alternatives to Critical Minerals in Clean Energy

EQT Foundation Opens Funding Programme to Support Deeptech Alternatives to Critical Minerals in Clean Energy

(IN BRIEF) EQT Foundation has launched a new open call under its Science Grants programme to support deeptech research aimed at reducing reliance on critical minerals in climate technologies. Offering non-dilutive grants of €25,000 to €100,000, the initiative targets high-risk, high-impact scientific projects with strong translational potential. Open to researchers at accredited nonprofit institutions worldwide, the programme focuses on alternative materials, rare-earth-free designs, and circular approaches that can strengthen supply-chain resilience and accelerate the global green transition.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 27-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EQT Foundation has opened applications for a new round of Science Grants focused on reducing dependence on critical and strategic minerals used in climate technologies. The open call targets high-risk, high-impact deeptech research and will provide non-dilutive grants ranging from €25,000 to €100,000 to support pioneering scientific work with strong potential to translate into real-world climate solutions.

The programme is designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the global green transition: the heavy reliance of clean energy technologies on a narrow group of critical minerals. Batteries, electric motors, power electronics, photovoltaics, and electrolyzers often depend on materials with highly concentrated and volatile supply chains, many of which are linked to environmental and social challenges. As demand for clean technologies accelerates, these constraints risk creating supply bottlenecks, raising costs, and slowing progress toward net-zero targets.

Through this grant call, EQT Foundation aims to support frontier research that replaces or significantly reduces the use of critical minerals while maintaining or improving performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. The focus is on scientific ideas that originate in the laboratory but are intentionally designed to progress toward deployment, helping to build more resilient and scalable pathways for climate technologies.

The programme is open to scientists affiliated with accredited nonprofit institutions worldwide and seeks research at the intersection of deeptech innovation and climate application. Priority areas include substitutes for critical minerals in energy storage and conversion technologies, rare-earth-free magnets and machine designs for motors and generators, and the use of earth-abundant materials in solar, power electronics, and grid infrastructure. The call also encourages circular approaches that reduce demand for virgin materials through advanced recycling, reuse, and innovative recovery and re-manufacturing methods.

In addition to financial support, selected grantees will gain access to EQT’s global ecosystem, including technical experts, industry connections, and tailored commercialization and founder support. This broader engagement is intended to help bridge the gap between scientific discovery and scalable impact, strengthening the pathway from research to application.

Applications open on 27 January 2026 and close on 25 February 2026 at 23:59 CET. Proposals will be assessed by a panel of scientific, technical, and translational experts, with shortlisted applicants invited to interviews before final funding decisions are made.

To apply, visit:
https://eqtgroup.com/eqt-foundation/grant-submission

1. International Energy Agency. (2021). Reliable supply of minerals. In The role of critical minerals in clean energy transitions (World Energy Outlook Special Report). IEA. https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions/reliable-supply-of-minerals

Contact:
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

About EQT

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization focused on active ownership strategies. With a Nordic heritage and a global mindset, EQT has a track record of more than three decades of developing companies across multiple geographies, sectors and strategies. EQT has investment strategies covering all phases of a business’ development, from start-up to maturity. EQT has EUR 267 billion in total assets under management (EUR 139 billion in fee-generating assets under management) as of 30 September 2025, within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets.

With its roots in the Wallenberg family’s entrepreneurial mindset and philosophy of long-term ownership, EQT is guided by a set of strong values and a distinct corporate culture. EQT manages and advises funds and vehicles that invest across the world with the mission to future-proof companies, generate attractive returns and make a positive impact with everything EQT does.

The EQT AB Group comprises EQT AB (publ) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, which include general partners and fund managers of EQT funds as well as entities advising EQT funds. EQT has offices in more than 25 countries across Europe, Asia and the Americas and has more than 1,900 employees.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com
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About EQT Foundation

EQT Foundation is a philanthropic organisation and long-term shareholder of the global investment organization EQT, founded by partners at EQT. The Foundation supports scientists and entrepreneurs bringing breakthrough solutions from lab to market, combining EQT’s expertise with catalytic investments and grants. With a focus on supporting scientific progress in underfunded areas of climate and health, the Foundation provides a learning platform for EQT employees to develop and work collaboratively across the globe, while engaging in philanthropy and making a positive impact.