DOE Initiative to Speed Innovative Ideas into the Market
May 27, 2010
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a funding opportunity designed to accelerate the movement of innovative energy technologies from university laboratories into the market. While America's research institutions have been invaluable in generating new ideas, not all have been efficient in bridging the gap between the lab and the entrepreneurs needed to rapidly move technology innovations into the marketplace.
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled Innovation Ecosystem Development Initiative seeks applications proposing approaches to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies developed at universities. Applications should propose a strategy to foster an entrepreneurial environment, provide a description of the proposed innovation ecosystem, and describe a specific implementation plan.
An "innovation ecosystem" may include:
- The network of leaders, service providers, and entrepreneurs who are expected to participate
- Connections to sources of capital (angel networks, venture community, and other financial institutions)
- Strategies for mentoring and training future entrepreneurs
- Programs that would encourage and train graduate-level researchers to start up small and innovative businesses
- Other sources of funding that can leverage the federal investment
- The composition of a board of advisors or evaluation panel
- An explanation of how federal funds will be leveraged with non-federal funds.
A total of up to $2.1 million is available for this program, and DOE expects to make two awards. Annual grants per awardee will not exceed $350,000 for a term of three years.
We encourage applicants to examine successful models for best practices and lessons learned. DOE will favor applications that incorporate novel approaches or novel extensions of successful programs. The expected results of this solicitation are to accelerate the rate of movement of innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy concepts from university laboratories to the market. Applicants may include, but are not limited to, universities, national laboratories, private research institutions, trade organizations, entrepreneurs, venture capital firms, and clean-tech investors.
To apply or request further information regarding the announcement, please view the FOA here at Grants.gov. Applications are due July 9, 2010.
To provide further information about this initiative, DOE will hold a series of webinars and post an updated list of frequently asked questions each week. Individuals and entities interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to register.
Webinar Schedule:
June 7, 2010 at 1pm EDT https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
June 15, 2010 at 1pm EDT https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
June 23, 2010 at 1pm EDT https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
June 28, 2010 at 1pm EDT https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
These webinars will address:
- Frequently asked questions
- Further information about the FOA
- Any other issues about the application process.
Presenters will include:
- Wendolyn Holland, Senior Advisor, Commercialization, and others from the Commercialization Team of DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
The webinars are free of charge, but you must register in advance to obtain the URL and password for logging on and the phone number to connect to the audio.
