The Henry Royce Institute has opened Round 8 of MATcelerate ZERO funding programme, offering grants for projects with total costs of up to £50,000 to advance materials innovations that support decarbonisation and the transition to net zero.
The call supports six-month proof-of-concept projects that help university researchers take promising materials technologies closer to commercial application. Applications are open to researchers at participating universities, working with their university’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO).
MATcelerate ZERO combines project funding with industry expertise to address the technical and commercial uncertainties that can prevent materials innovations from progressing beyond the laboratory. Selected teams will develop a Minimum Viable Demonstrator: a practical demonstration designed to build confidence in their technology and strengthen its potential to attract commercial investment.
Industry partners supporting the MATcelerate ZERO programme contribute technical expertise, guidance and market knowledge, helping researchers focus their projects on industry needs and potential barriers to adoption.
Round 8 welcomes early-stage materials innovations across areas including carbon capture, energy generation and storage, hydrogen and ammonia production, next-generation electronics, low-carbon construction and bio-based materials.
This round particularly welcomes proposals addressing four areas:
- Critical materials recovery, separation and circular processing.
- New uses for platinum group metals, including recovery and catalytic applications.
- Energy storage materials, thermal storage and efficient cooling.
- Low-energy semiconductors and electronic materials.
These priorities sit alongside the programme’s wider scope, with other eligible net-zero and sustainability-focused materials innovations also encouraged.
Prospective applicants should engage with their university’s TTO early to discuss their proposal and commercialisation pathway. Eligible applications will be reviewed by industry partners, with up to four projects shortlisted to refine their proposals and pitch to the programme’s Investment Committee.
Funded projects will run from 1 May to 31 October 2027.
Full eligibility criteria, application guidance and submission details are available on the MATcelerate ZERO Round 8 funding page.
Applications must be submitted through the FlexiGrant portal by 5pm on 18 December 2026.
