The INM project eLiRec is among the 25 finalists in the European Commission’s REGIOSTARS Awards 2026. Selected from a total of 274 submissions, eLiRec has reached the European final in the “A Green Europe” category.
Lithium is a key raw material for the energy transition. The eLiRec concept developed at INM uses a novel electrochemical approach to selectively recover lithium from complex solutions and return it to the material cycle. Tailored electrode materials enable selective separation at low voltages and have the potential to reduce the energy-intensive and chemical-intensive processing steps associated with conventional recycling.
In addition to the decision by a European expert jury, the REGIOSTARS Awards also include a Public Choice Award. The public vote is open from 3 September to 14 October 2026. The final, featuring pitches by the shortlisted projects, will take place in Brussels in October during the European Week of Regions and Cities.