Commercialization is the process by which technologies and innovations developed in the lab make their way to market. By licensing patents or using Energy Department facilities, researchers from the private sector and academia are able to take advantage of federal investments into basic science research, while researchers are able to ensure that their discoveries have a life beyond the lab.

The Energy Department also helps entrepreneurs, small business owners and start-ups bridge the gap between research and development and commercial deployment. This helps create globally competitive industries in the United States, helps companies save money and is making the clean energy economy of the future a reality today.