Materials
The Materials Team at Innovate UK Business Connect covers a broad scope of the materials life cycle, from feedstock, processing techniques, design and manufacture, testing, standardisation, resource efficiency and circularity.
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We have strong engagement with the entire value chain, from academic researchers, materials developers through to end-users who make products from these materials and businesses who manage end-of-product life issues. We add value in making the connections that matter.
Materials underpin many applications in our economy. Innovative materials science, engineering and technologies make direct and positive impact on economic growth, the environment and quality of life, through improved processes and products, throughout their lifecycle. The impact of materials is forecast to be even greater as businesses respond to the growing trend in electrification of transport, the drive towards net zero emissions and a comprehensive digital economy.
As a team, we work with industry to make sure that new developments in materials find a useful home to improve the UK economy, environment and quality of life. We bring together the materials supply chain to accelerate innovation, improve productivity and ensure resilience in meeting the needs of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users.

Our current focus in this area
Related Opportunities
DASA Competition: Innovation in dermal protection against liquid chemicals
Opens: 20/02/2025 Closes: 15/04/2025
DASA (Defence & Security Accelerator) seek proposals that will help to solve the problem of providing dermal protection against liquid chemical contamination.
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Innovation Exchange challenge: Efficient Grease Removal for Safer Offshore Wind Operations
Opens: 17/03/2025 Closes: 12/05/2025
Seeking solutions for the wind energy industry’s operational challenge to remove used grease effectively from mechanical components.
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Royal Society Industry Fellowships - 2025 Round 2
Opens: 12/02/2025 Closes: 09/04/2025
Royal Society Fellowships enable talented scientists and engineers from industry and academia to move between the sectors.
More Information
Related Events and Recordings
Our Experts
Related programmes

Metamaterials Landscape Map
Connecting the value chain of the UK Metamaterials community with industry, research expertise and business support to drive commercialisation.

Net Zero Chemicals Landscape
Connecting the UK’s growing Chemicals community with industrial collaborators, research-base expertise, investment opportunities and funders.

Circular Critical Materials Supply Chains
This £15 million programme will support the development of resilient UK based supply chains for rare earth elements, with a focus on primary (mine to magnet) and secondary (End of Life to magnet) supply chains.