EIT RAW MATERIALS GMBH

Their core work

EIT RawMaterials is the European Institute of Innovation and Technology's Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) dedicated to raw materials. Based in Berlin, it operates as a large network organization that connects industry, academia, and research institutes to secure sustainable raw material supply chains across Europe. In H2020, it contributed expertise on circular economy strategies, responsible sourcing policies, critical raw material assessments, and the development of rare-earth-free technologies for electromobility. Its role is primarily strategic coordination and knowledge brokering rather than hands-on laboratory research.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

EIT RawMaterials entered H2020 with broad circular economy and sustainability themes — CICERONE addressed strategic European priorities while RE-SOURCING tackled global responsible sourcing. From 2020 onward, their focus sharpened toward specific technical challenges: mapping critical raw material supply chains (SCRREEN2) and developing rare-earth-free permanent magnets for electric vehicles (PASSENGER). This shift mirrors Europe's growing urgency around raw material sovereignty and the electrification of transport.

Moving from broad sustainability policy toward applied solutions for raw material independence in electric mobility and clean energy technologies.

How they like to work

EIT RawMaterials operates exclusively as a participant, never leading H2020 consortia directly — consistent with its role as a KIC that convenes and supports rather than drives individual projects. With 80 unique partners across just 4 projects (averaging 20 partners per consortium), it gravitates toward large-scale coordination platforms. This makes it an excellent network multiplier: partnering with EIT RawMaterials gives access to its extensive ecosystem of raw materials actors across Europe.

Despite participating in only 4 projects, EIT RawMaterials has collaborated with 80 unique partners across 21 countries, reflecting its nature as a pan-European network organization. Its reach spans virtually all EU member states and associated countries with significant raw materials interests.

What sets them apart

As one of the EU's designated Knowledge and Innovation Communities, EIT RawMaterials occupies a unique position at the intersection of raw materials policy, industry needs, and research capacity. Unlike a typical research institute or company, it functions as a connector — bringing together mining companies, recyclers, manufacturers, universities, and policymakers. For consortium builders, partnering with EIT RawMaterials means tapping into Europe's largest raw materials innovation network, with direct links to over 120 member organizations beyond what appears in H2020 data alone.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SCRREEN2
  Their largest funded project (EUR 157,500), building the definitive European expert network on critical raw materials — a reference point for EU raw materials policy.
• PASSENGER
  Their most technically focused project, targeting rare-earth-free permanent magnets for electric vehicles — a strategic technology for European industrial independence.