DOE's Entrepreneurship Programs Support World-Class Energy and Manufacturing Technology Entrepreneurs

The Department of Energy is in the process of reviewing applications for three Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Programs: Chain Reaction Innovations, Cyclotron Road, and Innovation Crossroads. The programs are housed at the National Laboratories and are designed to help innovative start-ups develop new manufacturing technologies and bring them to market. These programs specifically aim to develop and de-risk new energy innovations. Program alumni have gone on to receive more than $120 million in additional federal and private funding, including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards.
 
Supported by DOE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO), scientists and engineers who applied were encouraged to submit big ideas to improve U.S. manufacturing energy efficiency, material productivity, and competitiveness. AMO is particularly interested in ideas that fall into the following five categories:

1. Advanced materials manufacturing.
2. Sustainable and secure supply chains.      
3. Manufacturing process innovation.
4. Energy systems, including energy conversion and storage.
5. Technologies for the manufacturing enterprise, such as smart manufacturing systems, cybersecurity, flexible and adaptable manufacturing, and industrial electrification.

 
The program provides much needed support to entrepreneurs to help them evolve early-stage R&D innovation into viable businesses. Such support includes:

• A 2-year fellowship with a personal living stipend, health insurance stipend, and travel allowance.
• National Laboratory access and research funding.
• Business mentors, entrepreneurial training, and networking opportunities. 

For more information, visit: www.manufacturing.energy.gov.