Strengthening critical materials supply chains
The Critical Materials Supply Chains Innovation Network (CMSCIN) brings together innovators, industry, investors and policymakers to strengthen UK critical materials supply chains.
Innovation-led growth in UK supply chains is essential to reducing the risks associated with critical materials. The network accelerates innovation by building valuable connections, sharing insights and helping to develop innovative ideas into commercially investable propositions.
By connecting organisations to funding, collaboration and innovation opportunities, the network supports business growth and helps strengthen the UK’s industrial resilience, security and clean energy deployment.
Why join our innovation network?
The network aims to offer you the right support when you need it. By joining the network you can:
- Understand the UK critical materials ecosystem and find new partners
- Discover domestic and international innovation, collaboration and commercial opportunities
- Understand and access the funding and finance landscape
- Accelerate your innovation towards commercialisation
We’ll keep you updated with the relevant in-person and online networking events, Innovation Exchange (iX) challenges, Investment Readiness Programmes, industry insights and workshops.
What are critical materials?
Critical materials (or critical minerals), refers to a set of elemental species and derived materials that are typically produced and used in relatively small quantities for high-tech applications. These materials often provide properties that are key to the functioning of the technology, without which the technology would be at least less efficient, and at worse, rendered useless. The supply chains for these critical materials tend to be geographically concentrated and carry significant environmental, social and governance risks.
The UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy and Criticality Assessment define a list of 34 critical minerals and 24 growth minerals that are important to the UK economy and society. These minerals and derived materials feature in a wide range of technological applications and sectors, including automotive, aerospace, clean energy and defence.
To find out more about critical minerals, explore the UK Critical Minerals and Growth Minerals website, read the latest critical minerals analyses from the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre or connect with the industry body, the Critical Minerals Association.
Submit an enquiry
No matter your role or interest in critical materials, Innovate UK Business Connect can help. Our experts can offer guidance on applications, scale-up support, industry introductions and collaboration opportunities. Get advice across:
- Innovation
- Investment
- International
- Skills, policy and regulation
Submit an enquiry
Ready to get involved?
Join the Critical Materials Supply Chains Innovation Network to connect with partners and discover funding, collaboration and commercial opportunities.