Ignite Labs: Circular Critical Materials

Join us for an inspiring journey of discovery, learning and growth, as we explore opportunities for innovation in the circularisation of critical materials in the UK, and how to exploit them using the power of design.
  • EVENTS
  • Ignite Labs: Circular Critical Materials

This event is part of a series

When

19 and 26 Feb, 5, 12, 19 and 26 March

Location
London and Online
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Overview

Circular Critical Materials Ignite Labs is an Innovate UK dynamic programme that ignites innovation, empowers growth, and transforms businesses. Join us for an inspiring journey of discovery, learning and growth, as we explore opportunities for innovation in the circularisation of critical materials in the UK, and how to exploit them using the power of design.

About Circular Critical Materials Ignite Labs

The UK is looking for increased supply chain resilience for materials identified in the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre criticality assessment.

The UK Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy (Vision 2035) frames domestic supply, recycling and reuse of materials in electric vehicles, wind turbines and electronics as essential, but flags barriers: limited critical-mineral-rich waste streams, low collection rates, and the high cost and technical difficulty of recovering materials from complex end-of-life products.

Current challenges and risks include high import dependence and exposure to concentrated global supply chains, price volatility, and long lead times to build domestic processing and recycling capacity – issues underlined by the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre’s 2024 criticality assessment and the government’s resilience narrative.

Design capability in this space is particularly critical because the central risks are not technological but systemic. Before recovery technologies or businesses can scale, innovators must correctly frame where value is lost, why materials fail to circulate, and which actors control key leverage points. Design methods such as system mapping, value-chain ethnography, stakeholder incentives analysis and evidence-led problem framing surface misaligned regulations, discrepant commercial incentives, information asymmetries, and behavioural frictions that suppress collection, reuse and high-quality recycling. By clarifying the right problems to solve, design reduces the risk of investing in technically elegant but systemically ineffective solutions.

About the programme

This programme uses human‑centred design to help you make informed decisions for your business. By joining the Lab, you’ll gain useful knowledge, build new networks and learn practical innovation methods that can improve the success of circular critical materials projects and businesses.

You’ll be able to:

  • Identify a challenge in your business that could be addressed through an innovative approach.
  • Connect with UK innovators, universities, businesses and end users across the critical materials supply chain.
  • Develop your project through structured workshops run by a design and innovation agency.
  • Hear about current funding opportunities and meet investors, helping you explore collaborations, grow supply‑chain activity and strengthen your place in the UK critical materials economy.
  • Build a community with other innovators from within and beyond your sector.

This programme will run from 19/02/2026 to 26/03/2026

* Please note that the Ignite Labs programme has been carefully curated for individuals who can commit to attending across the 6-week period. As spaces are limited, priority will be given to those who can attend the majority of events.

The expression of interest form includes selection questions that will be used to gauge suitability for the programme.

There are no fees associated with this programme; however, participants will be expected to pay for their own travel and accommodation.

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Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to ensuring our events are accessible for all.

If you experience any barriers to registering, for any reason, please contact us by email: enquiries@iukbc.org.uk or phone: +44 03333 403250 and we will support your registration.

Programme

This Event is part of Ignite Labs.

Ignite Labs provides a dynamic space for UK innovators to stay ahead of the curve. Our programme offers insights, tools, and connections that help you navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving economy of tomorrow.

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