Guidance

Critical Minerals Accelerator: scheme clarifications

Updated 27 August 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. 

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

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 level 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. 

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. 

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.

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  

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.

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.

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.

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 and are committed to developing innovation and follow-on commercial activity within the UK.  

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.