The STRATA Act of 2026 establishes a new Critical Minerals Innovation Partnership Program within the State Department to develop advanced technologies for extracting, processing, and recycling critical minerals that are essential for semiconductors, energy systems, defense applications, and other emerging technologies. The program aims to strengthen U.S. technological leadership and reduce dependence on supply-constrained minerals by partnering with allied and partner countries on joint research and development initiatives. Eligible partners include universities, research institutions, private companies, and allied nations, but the law explicitly prohibits partnerships with countries of concern such as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Burma, as well as entities controlled by these nations. The program will operate for ten years from enactment, with a director appointed by the Secretary of State to oversee partnerships, establish international Centers of Excellence, maintain a public digital platform for identifying opportunities, and coordinate with federal agencies including the Departments of Energy, Defense, and Commerce. Congress requires the director to notify relevant committees 30 days before entering any partnership and to include specific performance benchmarks, intellectual property agreements, and dispute resolution mechanisms in each partnership agreement.