The Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovations (Sprind) has launched the new Sprind Challenge for the recycling of critical metals. It is seeking ideas for the development and validation of novel processes to recover valuable metals from complex waste streams such as e-waste or electronic components.
The focus is not solely on the recovery of individual elements. The goal is also to produce new, functional compounds, alloys, or nanostructured materials with direct industrial applicability. Biological, chemical, and physical-mechanical approaches can be combined to create innovative solutions that go beyond existing recycling methods.
3 phases, up to 6 million euros in funding
The challenge will launch in December 2025 and run for three years. It is divided into three consecutive stages:
- Stage 1: Up to eight teams will each receive a maximum of 1,500,000 euros (plus VAT).
- Stage 2: After the jury evaluates the interim results, up to six teams will be selected. They can receive funding of up to €2,000,000 (plus VAT).
- Stage 3: Up to 2,500,000 euros (plus VAT) are available for up to four teams.
The funding can amount to a total of up to six million euros per team.
Applications for the challenge are open until November 7, 2025. The challenge is aimed primarily at research teams, startups, and companies that work in an interdisciplinary manner and want to explore new avenues in recycling.
This call for proposals could be particularly exciting for Munich's startup scene: The region boasts both a growing greentech community and a strong foundation in materials science and high-tech manufacturing. With the right idea and a coherent concept, there's a good chance of benefiting from the funding.
Further information about the Sprind Challenge can be found here.
