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
Global Business Innovation Programme - Additive Manufacturing, Germany
Opens: 06/08/2025 Closes: 10/09/2025
Innovate UK is inviting ambitious innovative companies to participate in a 9-12 month programme to help them grow in the German market, including attending Formnext in Frankfurt.
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Innovation Exchange challenge: Binders or resins for recyclable biocomposite panels
Opens: 20/08/2025 Closes: 17/09/2025
The challenge is to identify and test a binder system (or alternative bio-resin or natural resin solution) that enables the product to be recycled or reprocessed.
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Innovation Exchange Challenge: Valorisation of paint waste from vessel and equipment cleaning
Opens: 20/08/2025 Closes: 17/09/2025
PPG seek innovators who can valorise paint waste from vessel and equipment cleaning, aiming to find a sustainable and circular solution for the solid waste.
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Analysis for Innovators: National Physical Laboratory Stage 1
Opens: 26/08/2025 Closes: 10/09/2025
UK registered businesses can apply for funding to resolve productivity and competitiveness issues, by working with National Physical Laboratory (NPL) scientists.
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Innovation Exchange Challenge: Measurement of coated glass temperature within the furnace/manufacturing process
Opens: 20/08/2025 Closes: 17/09/2025
Pilkington are looking for technology for accurate & reliable measurement of coated glass temperature.
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Innovation Exchange challenge: Heat recovery and process efficiency optimisation in advanced plasma coating manufacturing
Opens: 20/08/2025 Closes: 17/09/2025
Zircotec is seeking a practical, scalable solution to optimise energy efficiency by better use and management of heat in its operations.
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.