UMICORE AG & CO KG

Their core work

Umicore is a major materials technology company specializing in advanced catalysts, battery materials, and recycling. Their H2020 involvement centers on automotive emission control catalysts (particularly SCR systems for diesel exhaust treatment) and next-generation battery systems for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. They bring deep industrial expertise in materials science and catalytic chemistry, serving as a technology supplier and development partner for the automotive and energy storage sectors.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Umicore's early H2020 work (2015-2018) concentrated on battery technologies for electric vehicles, contributing to lithium-ion and plug-in hybrid battery development. From 2020 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward catalytic emission control — both for heavy-duty trucks using renewable fuels and for fundamental research into zeolite catalyst deactivation. This pivot suggests Umicore is reinforcing its position in clean combustion technologies even as electrification accelerates.

Umicore is deepening its catalyst science expertise, particularly around zeolite-based SCR systems and renewable fuel compatibility — positioning for the transition period where combustion engines must meet tighter emission standards alongside electrification.

How they like to work

Umicore consistently joins as a participant or third party rather than leading consortia, reflecting their role as an industrial materials expert contributing specialized knowledge to larger research efforts. With 57 unique partners across 14 countries from just 4 projects, they operate within large, diverse consortia — typical of Innovation Actions and major RIA projects. This makes them an accessible partner: experienced in multi-partner EU projects but not competing for coordination roles.

Umicore has built a broad European network of 57 partners across 14 countries through just 4 projects, indicating involvement in large-scale consortia with wide geographic spread. Their network is concentrated in the automotive and clean energy sectors.

What sets them apart

Umicore occupies a rare position as a large industrial company that bridges battery materials and catalytic emission control — two technologies critical for the automotive transition. Unlike pure research institutes, they bring manufacturing scale and market access, meaning project results have a direct path to commercialization. Their willingness to participate in both applied Innovation Actions and fundamental Marie Curie research training shows commitment to long-term capability building, not just short-term product development.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CHASS
  A Marie Curie training network investigating fundamental catalyst deactivation science — unusual for a large industrial company, signaling investment in next-generation knowledge.
• LONGRUN
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 649,320), addressing the commercially critical challenge of clean long-distance heavy-duty trucking with renewable fuels.
• FIVEVB
  Early participation as third party in high-voltage silicon-anode battery development for next-generation EVs, demonstrating Umicore's battery materials capabilities.