London-based start-ups and small businesses working on new, commercially viable materials that support a circular economy can now apply for the Circular Materials Innovation Award from ReLondon.

Five awards – ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 – are available to help businesses take their material innovations to the next stage of growth. Alongside funding, winners will gain valuable exposure through ReLondon’s network of industry bodies, investors and technical institutions.

This programme is open to London-based SMEs with material innovations at prototype stage (TRL 6 or higher) and with identified application potential. Two categories of innovation are being supported:

• Materials made from waste: for example, insulation from discarded fabric, biomaterials from organic waste, or construction products made from waste streams.

• Materials offering circular functionality: for example, biodegradable sewing threads, recyclable alternatives to composites, or bio-based materials designed to decompose safely.

Award structure

• 1 x Gold: £20,000

• 2 x Silver: £12,000 each

• 2 x Bronze: £5,000 each

Applications are open now and close at 6pm on 1 October 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch in November, with funding allocated shortly after.

For eligibility requirements and details on how to apply, download the application guidance via ReLondon.

Find out more and apply