Guidance

Critical Minerals Accelerator: scheme clarifications

Updated 16 September 2026

This information supplements the main Critical Minerals (CM) Accelerator scheme guidance document.

Project scope 

Why the scheme is targeted at late-stage Technology Readiness Level (TRL) projects 

The decision to focus the CM Accelerator on later-stage projects reflects a requirement to target and prioritise our funding from a strategic and commercial perspective to support scale up in the UK. This will support high-value jobs, boost economic resilience and cut reliance on imports.  

Government engagement with industry identified a specific market failure that exists as a persistent financing gap for pilot, demonstrator and First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) projects. This is because these companies require funding to prove commercial viability but are often considered too risky for conventional investors.

Government continues to support research and development through other funding routes. Innovate UK Business Connect recently launched the Critical Materials Supply Chain Innovation Network, which brings together innovators, industry, investors and policymakers to strengthen UK critical materials supply chains. We would encourage companies at early stages to submit enquiries via this network to explore alternative sources of funding for support.  

TRL eligibility for pilot-to-pre-commercial projects under the TRL 6 threshold 

The CM Accelerator is focused on later-stage projects that are approaching commercialisation and are typically expected to fall within the TRL 6 to 8 range. The scheme has been designed to address the financing gap faced by pilot, demonstrator and scale-up projects. Earlier-stage projects would generally be expected to seek support through other innovation funding routes.

Therefore, we suggest applicants review our scheme guidance and consider whether their project aligns with the scope of the scheme. After reviewing, if they can clearly demonstrate progression into the eligibility range during delivery and that their project is aligned to the objectives of the scheme, they may still apply where a project begins at TRL 5. 

If your project is considered ineligible, seek guidance on other funding opportunities through Innovate UK’s Critical Materials Supply Chain Innovation Network. 

TRL requirements

The applicable TRL at project start should be based on the current maturity of the technology being funded. For example, where a technology is currently at TRL 7 and the project supports development towards a TRL 8 facility, the project should be considered a TRL 7 project.

TRLs and mining development route 

Extraction project applicants should consider the maturity of the technology, process or innovation being deployed within their project when assessing which TRL their project sits at. This is different to the mineral development lifecycle, which relates to the overall stage of the mining project. Extraction project applicants should explain how the proposed activities align with the scope and objectives of the scheme. 

Eligibility of exploration projects 

Exploration activities will not typically be in scope to receive funding. The scheme guidance states that the CM Accelerator supports projects across extraction, processing, refining, recycling and downstream activities. Extractive project applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• a viable feedstock with appropriate permits
• a means of extraction or recovery (your project may be focused on scaling this)
• a pathway towards commercial mineral output that aligns with the objectives of the scheme
• an offtake pathway that demonstrates clear strategic value to UK manufacturing resilience

Eligibility of digital and enabling technologies

Costs associated with artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, sensors, data engineering, digital traceability and other enabling technologies may be eligible where they are directly attributable to delivery of the project and are consistent with the scope and objectives of the scheme.

Eligibility of processing and recycling projects

Processing and recycling projects may be eligible for funding, depending on:

• the minerals involved
• TRL of the project
• alignment with the published eligibility criteria and scheme objectives

Restrictions on activities outside of the UK 

In line with the scheme guidance, funded activities must take place within the UK. Where projects involve overseas mineral production or extraction, the activities supported through the Accelerator must be undertaken within the UK and deliver benefits consistent with the scheme objectives. 

Deciding on the right funding stream

If, on review of your application, we identify that your project would be a better fit for the other funding stream (for example, Pilot to Pre-Commercial instead of Demonstrator to Commercialisation), we may recommend your project is re-allocated. It would not be rejected purely for submission under the incorrect funding stream.

Absence of capital build of a pilot or demonstration plant and Demonstrator to Commercialisation stream eligibility

The scheme does not require applicants to construct a dedicated pilot or demonstration plant. The key consideration is whether the proposed activities support innovation, technical and commercial de-risking, and progression towards commercial deployment in line with the objectives of the funding stream being applied for. Activities undertaken through third-party facilities may therefore be appropriate where they contribute to these objectives.

Eligibility of front-end engineering design (FEED), engineering and feasibility activities within the Pilot to Pre-Commercial stream

Proportionate FEED costs may be included within Pilot to Pre-Commercial projects. However, applications that consist primarily of FEED activities without delivering a pilot or pre-commercial facility are unlikely to align with the objectives of that funding stream.

The funding streams are designed to address different funding gaps rather than reflect total project costs. Pilot to Pre-Commercial projects typically involve significant capital expenditure for pilot facilities. Demonstrator to Commercialisation projects focus on engineering, technical and commercial activities required to reach a final investment decision and attract investment.

Innovation requirements for funded projects

This scheme is set up to fund projects which demonstrate technical or commercial viability in the UK. It is not set up to repeat a model which has already been proven in the UK. The funding should not be used to replace business-as-usual activities which would have no added value and therefore not be eligible. While the activities may be part of the normal mining development activities, the project itself should not be a normal activity that would be undertaken regardless of the grant funding.

Extraction project applicants should consider the maturity of the technology, process or innovation being deployed within their project when assessing the TRL of their project. This is different to the mineral development lifecycle, which relates to the overall stage of the mining project.

Critical minerals, growth minerals and project outputs

The scheme supports projects related to critical minerals (as identified through The British Geological Survey’s UK 2024 Criticality Assessment) alongside ‘growth minerals’ which are listed in the Critical Minerals Strategy technical annex.

The scheme guidance does not establish separate funding allocations or a hierarchy between critical minerals and growth minerals. While additional materials outside these categories may be relevant to the overall economics of a project, assessors will primarily be interested in information and projections relating to the production, processing or recovery of critical and growth minerals.

The scheme guidance does not set a minimum output requirement or recovery threshold. Instead, assessment will focus on the extent to which a project aligns with the published scope and objectives of the programme. Applicants should clearly explain any assumptions and units used and ensure that figures are presented consistently throughout the application.

Call-off agreements outside the UK

The scheme is focused on strengthening the UK’s access to critical minerals and the expected outcomes of the scheme include:

• supporting economic growth
• job creation
• skills development across the UK critical minerals sector and the Industrial Growth sectors

For this reason, where call-off agreements are for users outside the UK and would not strengthen the UK’s access to critical minerals, this would not align as strongly with the objectives of the scheme when compared with call-off agreements with UK industrial and downstream users.

Project mobilisation and future commercial development

Applicants may describe how a successful Pilot to Pre-Commercial project would support the development of a larger future commercial facility, provided it is clear:

• which activities fall within the scope of the proposed CM Accelerator project
• which sit outside the grant-funded project

Applications should clearly distinguish between:

• activities, costs and outputs that form part of the proposed CM Accelerator project
• any subsequent commercial development that would take place beyond the scope of the grant-funded project

Grant terms 

Applying with a security commitment in principle 

We are content for a commitment in principle to providing a security at application stage and can discuss and agree the approach to security through due diligence ahead of grant award. 

Alternative forms of security 

Alternative forms of security that we would consider include:

• bank guarantees
• security over assets

Project changes after 30 September 2026

Where elements of an application mature after the application deadline, updated evidence can be provided at interview stage. Subsequent changes could be reported through the standard reporting processes during delivery, which we will set out in the Grant Funding Agreement at the funding decision stage.

Funding, payments and spend 

Projects that fall outside of the published funding ranges 

In line with the scheme guidance, we expect approved grants under the pilot-to-pre-commercial funding stream to be within a range of £1 million to £3 million, and grants under the Demonstrator to Commercialisation funding stream to be within a range of £150,000 to £1 million. 

Where applicants have projects which fall outside of the published funding ranges, for example requiring more or less grant funding, they must contact the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) no later than 14 working days before the application deadline in order for us to review the case and provide a written decision on whether an exception can be considered.  

Requests should explain why funding outside the published ranges is required and how the project would deliver the objectives of the scheme, alongside an overview of the project. 

In these instances, while we are unable to comment on the likelihood of success of individual applications outside the formal assessment process, we will aim to provide a decision on whether this application can be accepted to the competition within 5 working days of request. 

Minimum share of total project costs for the lead applicant 

If you are applying on an individual basis and contracting out elements of the work to partners, you must ensure there is sufficient investment of match funding across the project to achieve the minimum level required for your organisation size. The levels are set out in the scheme guidance.

If you are applying as part of a consortium, the applicable grant and match funding rates will be determined separately for each consortium member based on its organisation size. Applicants will be required to provide a breakdown of eligible costs and funding requested for each participating organisation.  

Minimum share of the project costs for academic or research partners  

There is no specific cap on the proportion of the overall grant that can be awarded to each member of the consortium, provided the amount each member receives is in line with the grant-to-match-funding ratios set out in the scheme guidance for the organisation size. 

If lead applicants apply for funding on an individual basis and contract with partners rather than collaborate via a consortium, then the lead applicant must adhere to the ratios of grant to match funding set out within the scheme guidance. BIST is not prescriptive on the amount the lead applicant pays to organisations via contracting arrangements, or the services provided by these organisations.

Eligible capital costs

For applicants with projects based in Great Britain, eligible capital costs will be funded at purchase/cost price rather than on a usage or depreciation basis. Applicants with projects based in Northern Ireland may be required to discuss the specific nature of costs claimed for with BIST as part of the award stage, to ensure compliance with EU General Block Exemption Regulation.

Match-funding requirements and sources

Match funding may be provided through:

• parent-company loans
• shareholder loans
• other intercompany funding arrangements

Applicants should clearly explain the source of match funding and provide evidence demonstrating that sufficient funds will be available. Additional evidence may be requested during due diligence.

Match funding does not need to be fully secured at application stage. However, funding should be available as and when required during project delivery. Where funding is not yet confirmed, conditions relating to funding commitments may be included within the Grant Funding Agreement and discussed during the award process.

The grant funding percentages set out in the scheme guidance are maximum funding rates rather than minimum requirements. Applicants may choose to fund a larger proportion of project costs privately. In all instances, applicants must demonstrate why the grant requested is necessary to deliver the project.

Existing equipment that was purchased before the project was proposed would not normally be accepted as part of the required match funding contribution as the organisation had already decided to buy the equipment before the project.

Using funding from other grant schemes alongside private investment to make up the match funding portion

To ensure compliance with subsidy control requirements, including rules on cumulation and in line with the scheme’s approach to providing the minimum necessary amount of funding to deliver the project, we will review and consider any other public funding sought or already received by you. You will be required to set this out as part of the application process. 

While you may use other grant funding received to support wider elements of the project, this funding does not contribute to match funding for the CM Accelerator application.

Evidence of financing and investment

Evidence that can support the financing or commercialisation plan is likely to strengthen the application with the assessors. This may include:

• investor engagement
• letters of interest
• indicative term sheets
• other evidence demonstrating the project’s ability to attract private investment and commercial deployment

The level of evidence expected will vary depending on the project. Applicants should provide evidence that demonstrates:

• current engagement with investors
• the key barriers to investment and how the project would address those barriers

Date that funding can be claimed from if successful

You will be able to claim for spend incurred from offer-in-principle stage. However, any spend incurred before the Grant Funding Agreement is signed will be at your own risk.

Match funding that is necessary for delivery of the project can be included from scheme launch, which was 5 August 2026.

Cashflow requirements

Applicants need to demonstrate that they can cover project activity pending grant reimbursement, which includes any payments due during the first 6 months of the project.

This is because grant funding will be paid in arrears, following the submission, verification and processing of a claim. This means there will inevitably be a gap between applicants incurring project costs and receiving the first grant payment.

Eligible project management costs

Project management costs should relate to governance, oversight, reporting and administration, rather than direct delivery of funded activities.

Examples of project management costs may include:

• project managers
• administrative support
• finance staff supporting claims and reporting
• executive oversight associated with project governance

Use of grant-funded plant and equipment after project completion

Where plant and equipment has not fully depreciated by the end of a project, BIST expects it to continue being used for the purpose it was purchased for using the grant.

Organisations would only need to inform BIST if they dispose of or use the plant and equipment for something completely different before it has fully depreciated.

Recording grant spend against financial years

Expenditure should be recorded against the financial year in which it is incurred, rather than the financial year in which it is reimbursed by BIST.

Where expenditure is incurred in one financial year but the corresponding grant claim is paid in a subsequent financial year, the expenditure should still be recorded against the year in which the costs were incurred. This approach should be used when completing the Grants Hub ‘Grant spend’ field.

Compatibility with UK Export Finance (UKEF) Critical Goods Export Development Guarantee (CGEDG) and research and development (R&D) tax credits

We understand that UKEF guarantees are provided on commercial terms and therefore would not cumulate with a subsidy under this CM Accelerator scheme.

The R&D tax credit scheme that has been in place since April 2024 is considered a general scheme and hence no subsidy. Therefore, we understand that participation in the CM Accelerator would not exempt companies’ ability to apply for R&D tax credits.

Applicant types 

Funding rates for universities and other research organisations 

If you are submitting a consortium application, then all members of the consortium (including universities and other research organisations) must adhere to the minimum level of match funding set out in the scheme guidance, based on the organisation size of each member. There is no specific cap on the proportion of the overall grant that can be awarded to each member of the consortium, provided the amount each member receives is in line with the grant-to-match-funding ratios set out in the scheme guidance for the organisation size. 

Alternatively, lead applicants may wish to apply for funding on an individual basis and contract with partners rather than collaborate via a consortium and collaboration agreements. In these instances, the lead applicant must adhere to the ratios of grant to match funding set out within the scheme guidance. BIST is not prescriptive on the amount the lead applicant pays to organisations via contracting arrangements, or the services provided by these organisations.

Non-UK consortium partners 

Your project can include non-UK partners provided that: 

• they bring their own funding and do not receive any of the grant funding 
• the project takes place within the UK  
• the role of the non-UK organisation in the project clearly demonstrates their contribution to delivering the objectives of the scheme and delivers benefits for the UK

Their costs will count towards the total project costs. This means that the grant recipient can pay a non-UK company as a subcontractor, for example to purchase a piece of equipment that is only available overseas. This is provided that the role of the non-UK organisation can clearly demonstrate delivery of benefits for the UK and the objectives of the scheme.

Eligibility of UK-registered not-for-profit companies 

Not-for-profit companies can apply as the lead applicant provided they are:

• a UK-registered business with their operations based in the UK
• committed to developing innovation and follow-on commercial activity within the UK

Individual and consortium applications

You do not need a consortium partner. You may apply either as a single organisation or as a consortium. If applying as a consortium, you will need to explain the rationale for collaboration and the consortium structure within the application.

Difference between consortium members and subcontracting partners

A consortium member participates under a collaboration agreement and receives grant funding at the applicable grant rate.

A subcontracting partner is effectively a supplier delivering goods or services at market rates and is paid by the lead applicant or consortium members. Subcontracting partners do not receive grant funding directly and may be involved in multiple projects.

Where a project requires access to an asset owned by an organisation already leading another application, that organisation may participate as a subcontractor. Alternatively, the technology developer may apply independently with a letter of support from the asset owner. Both approaches are acceptable, although direct involvement through subcontracting may provide greater assurance of project delivery.

Participating in more than one application

A lead applicant may only lead one project in this funding round.

Lead applicants cannot also be consortium members in other applications. However, they may be involved in other applications as subcontracting partners. Consortium members and subcontracting partners may participate in more than one application.

Where an organisation is involved in multiple projects, applicants must explain how they have the capacity to deliver all commitments. Successful applicants may be required to confirm this before grant award.

Determining organisation size and turnover

The organisation size definitions are based on the definitions from Companies House guidance on Preparing and filing Companies House accounts.

For consortium applications, the applicable grant and match-funding rates will be determined separately for each consortium member based on its organisation size. Applicants will be required to provide a breakdown of eligible costs and funding requested for each participating organisation.

Where an organisation is a subsidiary within a wider corporate group and is based in Great Britain, it is likely that the size would be taken from the parent group unless the applicant can indicate the parent group has no material corporate or commercial influence.

Where an organisation is based in Northern Ireland, the applicant should review the definitions in Annex I of the EU General Block Exemption Regulation and determine whether the organisation is:

• an autonomous enterprise
• a partner enterprise
• a linked enterprise

Please contact us if you are still unclear after reviewing this information.

Turnover data should be based on the latest approved accounting period and calculated on an annual basis.

Application process 

Meeting BIST to discuss your project 

Due to the volume of interested organisations, we are not able to meet with individual companies during the application window.

However, we will be running an information session on 1 September 2026 and organisations can register their interest by emailing criticalmineralsacceleratorgrantscheme@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

A recording will also be made available afterwards on request. 

We would suggest organisations thoroughly review the scheme guidance and send specific questions via email, if they are not answered in this document. 

Adding additional participants in the Grants Hub 

If you have started an application in the Grants Hub and want to add additional participants, you can follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the ‘Summary’ page and scroll until you see the ‘Participants’ button. 
2. Click on ‘Participants’.
3. Click ‘Invite’ in the co-applicant row.
4. Add their details into the window that opens. 

Your co-applicant will receive a collaboration invitation by email. They must:

• accept the invitation
• register for an account (if they do not already have one)
• log in to the system
• navigate through at least 2 pages of the application form so that the system recognises they have reviewed it

If your co-applicant cannot complete these actions before the application deadline, return to the ‘Participants’ tab and select ‘Revoke’ next to the co-applicant. This will remove the collaboration request and allow you to proceed with submitting your application. 

Consortium formation

Networking activities to put consortia together are not in scope of our BIST scheme activities. We would encourage companies interested in seeking connections to reach out to any stakeholders directly and engage with Innovate UK Business Connect’s recently launched initiative, Critical Materials Supply Chain Innovation Network. It brings together innovators, industry, investors and policymakers to strengthen UK critical materials supply chains.

Additionally, the Critical Minerals Association has offered to help facilitate join up between stakeholders interested in forming consortia. Contact them directly if you want to find out how they can help.

Evidence of feedstock and offtake engagement

Applicants should demonstrate clear engagement across the critical minerals value chain, including evidence of:

• existing or planned commercial relationships
• collaboration agreements
• offtake arrangements
• partnerships with downstream users and manufacturers

As each applicant is likely to be in a unique position in their discussions, it is not possible to state all specific levels of engagement that would be considered strong at the application stage. Applicants should demonstrate that their current level of engagement is very likely to become binding at an appropriate point for the proposed project.

Valid examples of evidence include:

• existing commercial relationships
• collaboration agreements
• offtake arrangements
• partnerships or binding agreements with offtakers, downstream users and manufacturers
• discussions
• letters in principle

Evidence that can support robust feedstock and offtake engagement and demonstrate the extent of the discussions is likely to strengthen the application with assessors.

We understand that applicants may not be able to enter into binding relationships until they have secured funding through this application process and note that funding through this scheme may not itself necessarily guarantee a formal relationship with an offtaker. We will discuss specific arrangements with successful applicants as part of the award process and may include conditions in the Grant Funding Agreement which relate to when these relationships should become binding.

Reporting UK customer metrics

For the purpose of reporting the percentage of output supplied to UK customers, a UK-based refiner should be treated as the UK customer where recovered material is sold to that refiner.

Reporting processing capacity, production capacity and mineral volumes

These fields are intended to help BIST understand the scale and impact of a project and should be completed using the metrics most relevant to the proposed activities. Some fields are optional depending on the specific project in question.

Processing capacity should be reported as the maximum annual throughput of feedstock that can be treated by the facility. Production capacity should be reported as the maximum annual volume of saleable output produced by the facility. Mineral volumes should, where possible, be expressed as contained or recoverable mineral content in the final product, with supporting information on feedstock and product tonnages provided separately.

Applicants should clearly explain any assumptions and units used, and ensure figures are consistent across the application.

Where a project targets multiple critical or growth minerals, applicants should report relevant metrics separately for each mineral where possible, including:

• output volumes
• import substitution impacts
• the percentage of output supplied to UK customers

The application form includes free-text fields to enable this breakdown.

Assessment process

Publication of scoring criteria

We do not plan to publish any further information on the scoring criteria. Applicants will receive feedback explaining the reasoning for their score.

How supporting documents are reviewed

Assessors will consider documents submitted alongside the answers provided to each question when arriving at a score, and it would be helpful if these are clearly cross-referenced.

AI use by assessors

Assessors will not use AI to assist them in assessing the applications.

Confidentiality of application data

Applications will be treated as commercially confidential. The contractual arrangements between BIST and Carbon Limiting Technologies (CLT), who are providing assessors, cover confidentiality. This will also be explicitly covered in the assessor training.

Selection of successful projects

BIST reserves the right to review the distribution of funding across the priority areas identified for the scheme (as outlined in the strategic aims section of this guidance).

Applications will be ranked based upon their total score. In general, applications with higher scores will qualify for funding ahead of those with lower scores. Funding will be provided to as many applications judged as suitable within the budget available.

We will undertake a portfolio review on completion of all application assessments. This will include a review of the suitability of applications that score well overall but poorly on one or more individual question(s). BIST reserves the right to review the distribution of funding across the priority areas identified for the scheme (as outlined in the strategic aims section of this guidance).