Background
The challenge holder has developed an innovative process for recovering metals from electronic waste, with a particular emphasis on printed circuit boards. The initial commercial application targets the leaching and extraction of high-value metals such as copper and gold from the feedstock. However, the leaching process also dissolves a range of other metals and minerals, which are currently discarded as residue by-products. The challenge holder now seeks economically viable solutions to recover these additional elements and convert them into saleable products.
The Challenge
The Challenge holder invites technology providers to propose solution for recovering minor metals and minerals including aluminium, antimony, bismuth, cobalt, iron, lead, magnesium, nickel, tin, and zinc from either a chloride media or an alkaline mixed metal precipitate.Within the chloride media at specified concentrations.
Ideally, the solution should output saleable metals/minerals, or functionalised products that can be sold to the market. The challenge holder is seeking solutions that have reached at least TRL 5 within the target application, or TRL 6 or higher in a different context, provided there is a reasonable basis to assume applicability to the stated challenge. The challenge holder would require evidential proof that these TRL thresholds have been met.Ideally, the solutions should be on a trajectory to be commercially deployable within the next 3 years.
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Entrants to this competition must be:
- Established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs, or individual entrepreneurs
- UK based or have the intention to set up a UK base
- Anything related to the competition theme
Applications will be assessed on:
- Relevance to the defined challenge
- Benefit of implementation
- Feasibility/economic viability
- Innovative nature
- Ability to launch in line with expected timescales
- Credibility of applicant company
- Coherence of the proposed business model
- Development potential
- Maturity of the solution
- Suitability for the intended geographic market
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Functional requirements
Proof-of-concept validation at the laboratory scale, either at the facility of the solution provider or in-situ applications at the challenge holder’s site. Target testing volume – 100ml with 3-5 repeats to demonstrate replicability.
The mixed-metal alkaline precipitate can be transferred to any viable media for metals/minerals recovery. There should be a defined pathway in place to demonstrate scale-up of a successful solution, encompassing bench-scale, pilot-scale, and demonstration-scale stages. This is not necessary, however, for completion of the iX challenge, but it would be necessary to take the solution forward.
Technical requirements
Solutions for application to the chloride media should not chemically decompose simple and relatively stable organic molecules.
Solutions for application to the chloride media should provide enhanced selectivity over more conventional hydrometallurgical approaches such as cementation and precipitation.
Out of scope
The solution should not increase damage to people or the environment.
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Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to Challenge Holder. Selected solutions will be trialled by Challenge holder with potential for further adoption if trials are successful.
In Q3/Q4 2026 it will be possible to test the solutions at the tonne scale in an operational pre-commercial facility that will process at least 1 tonne printed circuit boards per week.
The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:
- Support from Innovate UK Business Connect
- Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
- Technical support
- Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events
- A potential business collaboration
- Investor introductions (if investment is required)
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- Challenge launch: TBC
- Deadline for applications: typically 6 weeks post launch
- Selection and notification of finalists: typically 3-4 weeks post deadline
- Pitch Day: typically 2-4 weeks post selection
- Confirm selected solution provider: TBC
Innovate UK's application and funding process
If you need more information about how to apply, please read our funding support pages. For additional support, reach out to our team of innovation experts who are ready to help you navigate the application process and maximise your chances of success.
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