New Delhi — The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), Hyderabad, have been recognised as Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), the Ministry of Mines said.
The mission aims to promote research and development across the critical minerals value chain, supporting materials vital for clean energy, advanced technology, and strategic sectors such as defence and space.
The Centres of Excellence will focus on developing and demonstrating technologies at advanced stages of readiness, including pilot plants and pre-commercial projects.
These efforts are intended to strengthen domestic capabilities in exploration, processing and recycling of critical minerals that underpin India’s energy transition and technology industries, said the Ministry.
IISc Bengaluru and C-MET Hyderabad
Each centre will operate under a hub-and-spoke model, linking academic institutions, research organisations and industry partners.
The nine CoEs recognised so far have together brought in about 90 academic and industrial participants, forming a collaborative network to advance innovation in the sector.
The Ministry said the initiative is part of wider efforts to build a sustainable and self-reliant ecosystem for critical raw materials essential to modern manufacturing and renewable energy systems.
The recognition of IISc Bengaluru and C-MET Hyderabad was approved by the Project Approval and Advisory Committee (PAAC) at its meeting on 24 October 2025.
