India–EU Launch Battery Recycling Program: A Major Opportunity for Startups and Research Institutions

India and the European Union (EU) have launched a major initiative to foster technological advancements in the recycling of Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries. As part of this initiative, a joint ‘Call for Proposals’ has been announced, with a dedicated funding allocation of 15.2 million Euros (approximately ₹169 crore). The objective of this initiative is to facilitate the recovery of critical minerals and to strengthen supply chains based on a circular economy model. This program has been launched under Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies of the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). It will be jointly funded by the European Union’s ‘Horizon Europe’ program and India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Who is this program open to?

This joint call for proposals is open to the following entities:

• Startups
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Universities
• Research Institutes

The deadline for submitting applications has been set for September 15, 2026.

Objectives of the Program

Under this initiative, special emphasis will be placed on the following areas:

• Advanced Recycling Technologies: Development of novel technologies for extracting valuable metals from batteries.
• High-Efficiency Material Recovery Systems: High-purity recovery of critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, and cobalt.
• Digital Collection and Sorting Infrastructure: Enhancing the storage and categorization of battery waste through the use of digital technologies.
• Pilot Projects and Industrial Testing: Large-scale testing of recycling processes.
• As part of this program, a joint EU–India pilot line will be established in India, where new recycling technologies will be tested and implemented at an industrial scale.

Why is this initiative important?

With the rapid growth of the EV industry, the volume of battery waste is also increasing at an accelerated pace. According to estimates, India could possess a recyclable battery capacity of up to 128 GWh by 2030. The objective of this initiative is to transform this waste into a “virtual mine,” thereby reducing dependence on imports, enhancing the domestic availability of critical minerals, and minimizing environmental impact.

Preparing to Build a Recycling Ecosystem

Hervé Delphin, the EU Ambassador to India, stated that batteries are of such critical importance that they cannot simply be discarded after a single use. He noted that the aim of this initiative is to translate technological innovation into practical application, thereby bolstering both mineral security and climate objectives. Meanwhile, India’s Principal Scientific Advisor, Ajay Kumar Sood, remarked that this program would not only boost the EV market in India but also aid in establishing a robust domestic recycling ecosystem.