FAQ

EIT RawMaterials is an Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

EIT RawMaterials aims to significantly enhance innovation in the raw materials sector by sharing knowledge, information and expertise. Entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs receive funding and support through its partner network and collaboration activities. EIT RawMaterials aims to generate a significant impact on European industrial competitiveness and innovation capacity as well as to empower students, entrepreneurs and education partners to drive Europe towards a circular economy. This will result in introducing innovative and sustainable products, processes and services, as well as talented people who will deliver increased economic, environmental and socially sustainable impact on European society.

The EIT RawMaterials Lab2Market is open for students and/or teams offering solutions to the exploration, mining, mineral processing, metal & mineral, and recycling industries and value chains. The EIT RawMaterials Lab2Market Programme is designed for and open to:

1) EIT Labelled students, enrolled or recent graduates from the EIT-Labelled Master’s programmes;

2) Raw Materials Ph.D students, active currently in universities in Europe; and

3) Teams comprised with minimum one member coming from aforementioned student categories.

EIT RawMaterials unites more than 140 core and associate partners and 150+ project partners from leading industry, universities and research institutions from over 20 EU countries. The EIT RawMaterials partner network is working to accelerate the pace of innovation in the aforementioned raw materials sectors as well as to enhance the development of relevant competences. The EIT RawMaterials partner network is keen to adopt relevant innovations from start-ups and SMEs and provides a collaborative environment for disruptive and breakthrough innovations by connecting partners from business with academia, research, and investment. It also invests in future generations of innovators for the raw materials sector through initiatives ranging from education of school students to higher qualifications for industry professionals.

EIT RawMaterials Lab2Market Programme is unique because it invests in the future generation of innovators for the raw materials sector by working closely with students and/or teams from EIT-Labelled Master’s programmes, and raw materials relevant Ph.D students, providing a holistic support service to guide and steer their innovations into the creation and launch of start-up companies.

The Lab2Market Programme aims to coach and mentor the Labelled Master’s students and Ph.D students to generate new start-ups and new sustainable solutions through the outcomes of research, knowledge and experience and eventually contribute to commercial business, job creation and accelerating new technologies that will generate impact in EIT RawMaterials value chain and contribute to the EIT RawMaterials Strategic Agenda and network scope.

• Enrolled students on one of the EIT-Labelled master’s programmes
• Graduates/alumnis from one of the EIT-Labelled master’s programmes
• Ph.D students on engineering or/and science fields of Raw Materials from universities in Europe
• Students studying in all other faculties that faciliate EIT RawMaterials programs & students and young professionals with a strong drive for innovation & entrepreneurship

• Graduates of Phase 1 that have successfully completed their milestones/deliverables
• Or teams that will apply in the given deadline with a start-up-concept relevant to the thematic scope of Lab2Market

• Graduates of Phase 2 that have successfully completed their milestones/deliverables
• The team needs to submit an affirmed statement that declares their obligation in incorporating a start-up or be registered as a legal entity at the Chamber of Commerce 21 and the Tax Authorities at the time of application

Yes you can apply to the programme as a team, but at least one member should be coming from the eligible categories below:

1) EIT Labelled students, enrolled or recent graduates from the EIT-Labelled Master’s programmes

2) Raw Materials Ph.D students, active currently in universities in Europe.

Having your own idea is fine, but not a requirement for participation. During Phase 1 of the programme you will be offered all necessary guidance and help required to generate ideas and create a start-up concept.

Criteria for the selection process are: the participants’ engagement in the programme, the existence of an innovation idea and their intention to convert their research results and/or business idea into the incorporation of a start-up.

This program is a great fit for participants looking for a practical approach to turn innovative ideas into successful startups. What is more, it is a great launching pad for a series of opportunities such as developing an innovation-driven skillset, understanding principles of entrepreneurial tools, pitching live in front of a jury and ultimately having the opportunity to launch your own startup!The Lab2Market program offers a unique blend of support and resources for individuals passionate about innovation through expert mentorship, hands-on experience in bringing ideas to market, and access to a wide network of industry and academic professionals.If this is appealing to you, then the program is for you!

The Lab2Market program spans a full year, and is divided into three distinct phases.Each phase is designed to progressively develop and refine participants’ ideas into viable business models.Phase 1 focuses on ideation and concept development lasting approximately two and a half months.Phase 2 is centered around validating and testing the business model, financials and market research extends also to two and a half months.Finally, Phase 3 which is the phase of funding allocation and startup creation lasts for 6 months.