The challenge holder is exploring open innovation pathways to enhance the recovery of minor metals and minerals from intermediate and residual outputs of their proprietary process which recovers metals from electronic-waste (e-waste).  
Selected solution(s) will be trialled at laboratory scale, with the possibility of further scale-up trials (3m3) after Q3 2026. 


The challenge holder has developed an innovative process for recovering metals from electronic waste, with a particular emphasis on printed circuit boards. The initial commercial application targets the leaching and extraction of high-value metals such as copper and gold from the feedstock. However, the leaching process also dissolves a range of other metals and minerals, which are currently discarded as residue by-products. The challenge holder now seeks economically viable solutions to recover these additional elements and convert them into saleable products.

Background

<div>
The Challenge holder invites technology providers to propose solution for recovering minor metals and minerals including aluminium, antimony, bismuth, cobalt, iron, lead, magnesium, nickel, tin, and zinc from either a chloride media or an alkaline mixed metal precipitate.Within the chloride media, the expected concentration of metals/minerals is (values in <a>ppm) </a>
Al 1400-1700
Fe 40000 
Ni 25-45 
Zn 400-500
Ga 0.1-0.2
Sr 0.2-0.3
Ag 0-30
Cd 0.3-0.4
In 2-7
Sn 1300-1600
Ba 6-8
Pb 400-600
Bi 0.3-5
REE&rsquo;s Quantity TBD Within the precipitate the expected concentration of metals/minerals is g/kg
Al 14-40
Mg 0.4-0.6
Fe ~500
Co 0.02-0.07
Zn 2-12
In 0.02-0.165
Sn 6-15
Ba 0.1-0.2
</div>
Pb 5-15Ideally, the solution should output saleable metals/minerals, or functionalised products that can be sold to the market. The challenge holder is seeking solutions that have reached at least TRL 5 within the target application, or TRL 6 or higher in a different context, provided there is a reasonable basis to assume applicability to the stated challenge. The challenge holder would require evidential proof that these TRL thresholds have been met.Ideally, the solutions should be on a trajectory to be commercially deployable within the next 3 years.

The Challenge

Testing requirements
Proof-of-concept validation at the laboratory scale, either at the facility of the solution provider or in-situ applications at the challenge holder&rsquo;s site. Target testing volume - 100ml with 3-5 repeats to demonstrate replicability.
The mixed-metal alkaline precipitate can be transferred to any viable media for metals/minerals recovery. There should be a defined pathway in place to demonstrate scale-up of a successful solution, encompassing bench-scale, pilot-scale, and demonstration-scale stages. This is not necessary, however, for completion of the iX challenge, but it would be necessary to take the solution forward.

Functional Requirements

Solutions for application to the chloride media should not chemically decompose simple and relatively stable organic molecules.
Solutions for application to the chloride media should provide enhanced selectivity over more conventional hydrometallurgical approaches such as cementation and precipitation.

Technical Requirements

The solution must not cause environmental harm. The solution must have a lower carbon footprint than alternate established metal recovery methods (i.e primary mining, smelting) If applied in-situ, the solution must not compromise or disrupt the chlorine-based media. Any potential interaction with chlorine or other ionic media must be clearly disclosed at the outset. If applied in-situ the solution must operate at a pH of 2-4

Operating Conditions

The solution should not:
Increasing damage to people and Environment

Out of Scope

Ideally, the solution should demonstrate an operational cost in the range of approximately &pound;2.50 to &pound;7 per kilogram of recovered metals or minerals. This indicative range will vary based on the specific metal or mineral targeted, the format of the final output, and its intended market application and value. However, solutions exceeding this range may still be considered at this stage, provided there is a compelling value proposition.

Cost Requirement

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to Challenge Holder. Selected solutions will be trialled by Challenge holder with potential for further adoption if trials are successful.
In Q3/Q4 2026 it will be possible to test the solutions at the tonne scale in an operational pre-commercial facility that will process at least 1 tonne printed circuit boards per week.
The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:
<ul>
<li>Support from Innovate UK Business Connect</li>
<li>Support in the development of a prototype or pilot</li>
<li>Technical support</li>
<li>Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events</li>
<li>A potential business collaboration</li>
<li>Investor introductions (if investment is required)</li>
</ul>
Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are <a>relevant.</a>

Rewards & Market Opportunity

<ul>
<li>Challenge launch: TBC</li>
<li>Deadline for applications: typically 6 weeks post launch</li>
<li>Selection and notification of finalists: typically 3-4 weeks post deadline</li>
<li>Pitch Day: typically 2-4 weeks post selection</li>
<li>Confirm selected solution provider: TBC</li>
</ul>

Timescales

Entrants to this competition must be:
<ul>
<li>Established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs, or individual entrepreneurs</li>
<li>UK based or have the intention to set up a UK base</li>
<li>Anything related to the competition theme</li>
</ul>
Applications will be assessed on: 
<ul>
<li>Relevance to the defined challenge</li>
<li>Benefit of implementation</li>
<li>Feasibility/economic viability</li>
<li>Innovative nature</li>
<li>Ability to launch in line with expected timescales</li>
<li>Credibility of applicant company</li>
<li>Coherence of the proposed business model</li>
<li>Development potential</li>
<li>Maturity of the solution</li>
<li>Suitability for the intended geographic market</li>
</ul>

Eligibility & Assessment Criteria 

Existing background IP associated with a potential solution will remain with Solution Provider(s). Where any new IP generation is envisaged, it will be subject to the mutual IP agreement of the solution provider(s) and challenge holder.
Any commercial deployment of a transferred solution or newly developed solution, through licensing, joint venture, partnership, or direct investment, will be subject to the commercial agreement between the solution provider(s) and challenge holder.
Where necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the solution provider(s) and challenge holder. (This would be expected to be after company selection, it is suggested that details of IP be not disclosed, focus on the outcomes of the technology proposed).
Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect do not take any share of IP ownership or enter commercial ventures through the iX programme.

IP & Potential Commercial Route

The application form for this challenge will require applicants to provide company information and answer 3 questions - Idea Summary, Technology Readiness and Intellectual Property &ndash; each with a limit of 300 words.
We recommend that you complete the application form in Google Chrome as other browsers may have compatibility issues. The application form does not need to be completed in one session and can be saved for future edits. Please ensure that you toggle &ldquo;Stage Complete&rdquo; for each section before submission. Note that you will no longer be able to edit your application once you have clicked &ldquo;Submit Idea&rdquo; at the bottom of the Summary page.

Application & Technical Guidance

By submitting an application to this Innovation Exchange (iX) challenge, you acknowledge and agree that the information you provide will be shared with Innovate UK Business Connect and the challenge holder for the purposes of assessment and selection. All information submitted will be handled in confidence and shared only with those involved in the assessment and selection process under appropriate confidentiality expectations.
Please consider the level of detail you share in your submission to ensure it aligns with your own internal confidentiality or disclosure policies.
A selected panel of assessors will review and score your application. The panel of assessors will meet and agree a consensus score. Successful solutions will be selected by the challenge holder. Success will be based upon total consensus scores, a portfolio approach and capacity within the challenge holder&rsquo;s organisation to carry out the projects.
For more information on how Innovate UK Business Connect handles personal data, please refer to our&nbsp;<a href="https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/privacy-policy/" target="_new">Privacy Policy</a>.

Critical material recovery from e-waste recycling process by-products

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Critical material recovery from e-waste recycling process by-products