Rare Earth Metals

Applications closed on:
February 01, 2023 at 12:00 PM

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Rare earth elements or metals (REEs) are increasingly critical to the high-technology and low-carbon economy. With a shift to sustainable socioeconomic development that aims to be less fossil fuel dependent, global demand for REEs continues to rise, despite their uncertain supply chain and high environmental impact of production. This is why it is essential to explore novel technologies to reclaim Rare Earth Elements from waste streams.

Who can apply

Informal teams

formed by at least 3 members

Innovative startup and SMEs
University spin-offs

Target

The Challenge Rare Earth Metals focuses on energy and circular economy frontier for sustainalbility; specifically, it focuses on finding innovative solutions aiming at separating and recycling rare earth elements from photovoltaic cells.

Focus Areas

Development of cost-efficient dismantling lines aimed at the liberation of the Critical Raw Materials, REE rich fraction included

Development of recovery processes based on the use of green/biodegradable/low-cost solvents

Development of closed-loop recycling processes aimed at obtaining high-purity products to be possibly reintegrated in the same or other production cycles

Identification of alternative materials to rare earths to be used in the production of photovoltaic panels

Phases

Phase 1
Proposals & Selection
If you are an informal team, an innovative startup or SME or a spin-off developing innovative solutions and technologies, please fill out the application form of the present landing page in the section “Apply Now ".
A description of your team/startup / SME and supportive documents are warmly recommended and can be enclosed to the form.
All Innovative Solution Proposals received by the deadline will be evaluated by an Advisory Board and selected for the mentorship.

Phase 2
Mentorship
The mentorship program consists of digital meetings on a weekly basis where selected applicants will work with Enea and Lazio Innova experts to improve and fine-tune their pitching skills.
Phase 3
Innovation Day and awarding ceremony
At the end of the mentorship phase, Innovative Solution Proposals will be presented during a pitching session.
An Advisory Board will evaluate the solutions and the best three solutions will be awarded during the Challenge Innovation Day.

What we offer

Mentorship program
Aimed to improve and fine-tuning the pitch for presenting solutions at the Innovation Day
Prizes
Lazio Innova offers

to the 1st classified:
- 20,000 Euro cash prize
- A prize in specialized services provided by Lazio Innova Spazio Attivo

To the 2nd and 3rd classified:
- A prize in specialised services provided by Lazio Innova Spazio Attivo

Timeline

November the 10th: call opening

December the 12th: call closing

January the 23rd: starting of mentorship

Innovation Day (tbd)

Partners
Documents & Links
Contacts Roma.Casilina@lazioinnova.it