2 Funding Opportunities

Energy Department Announces Topics and New Approaches for Grants to Small Businesses in Clean Energy Technologies

The Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) today announced new topics under its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Technology Transfer (STTR) program that will help small businesses develop innovative ideas and deliver market-driven solutions. EERE’s areas of interest range from energy-saving buildings and manufacturing to sustainable transportation and renewable electricity generation. Small businesses that win awards in these programs keep the rights to any technologies they develop and are encouraged to commercialize them.

Grant applications submitted by small businesses must respond to a specific topic and subtopic. EERE topics for this release include:

  • Integrating Energy Efficient Solid-state Lighting with Advanced Sensors and Controls
  • Prototype Fuel Cell-Battery Electric Hybrid Truck for Waste Transportation
  • Software Tools for Photovoltaic Soft Cost Reductions and Grid Integration
  • U.S. Offshore Wind Personnel and Equipment Transfer Systems
  • Novel Membranes and Non-Platinum Group Metal Catalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells.

The SBIR/STTR application process starts with a Letter of Intent, which eligible businesses must file by December 16, 2013. In addition, an information webinar on the topics will be held on Monday, November 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Register now to attend the webinar.

Key dates for potential applicants:

  • Informational webinar on topics:  Nov. 4, 2013
  • FOA released and application period begins: Nov.  25, 2013
  • Letters of Intent deadline:   Dec. 16, 2013
  • Applications deadline:    Feb. 04, 2014

Flow First Look West

Why You Should Apply

First prize of $100,000 plus other cash awards
Second prize of $40,000, third Prize of $20,000
Transformational Idea AwardLearn More ›

  • First Place winner pitches to Vinod Khosla, Founder of Khosla Ventures
  • Meet and receive valuable feedback from these judges: Khosla Ventures, Venrock, Lux Capital, Pangaea, Flagstaff Angel groups, and clean energy companies and utilities
  • The best-in-class move on to the Regional Finals held in Los Angeles, on May 7, 2014.
  • FLoW winners compete in the Department of Energy’s National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition in Washington D. C. June 2014
  • Legal incorporation and IP packages
  • Mentoring support from industry experts

More information.