Leadership

Helena Fu
Director, Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies

The Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies

U.S. leadership in critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, quantum, and microelectronics are key to enabling economic prosperity and our national security.  These technologies will be a major source of new discoveries and breakthroughs, strengthen our ability to counter national security threats, and increase access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy.  

The mission of the Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies is to leverage capabilities and expertise across the Department of Energy and its 17 National Laboratories to sustain and extend U.S. leadership in technology in support of DOE’s energy, science, and security mission.   

The Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies will focus collective efforts across the Department to:  

  • Amplify DOE expertise in critical and emerging technology and leverage these capabilities to solve critical science, energy, and security challenges facing the Nation; 
  • Coordinate DOE equities in critical and emerging technologies across diverse program portfolios, including the DOE National Labs, to support and inform policy making; 
  • Develop partnerships with industry and academia to advance breakthroughs and accelerate integration of technologies into the U.S. commercial sector. 

News

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DOE Releases Report Outlining How America Can Sustainably Produce More Than One Billion Tons of Biomass Per Year
New Assessment Shows That America’s Abundant Supply of Renewable Resources Can Produce Enough Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Exceed Projected 2050 Market Demand
Contributing to community standards for AI security, privacy
Experts at DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory contributed to the OWASP AI Security and Privacy Guide to inform global AI security standards
NSF and DOE Establish a Research Coordination Network Dedicated to Enhancing Privacy Research
The U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy have established a Research Coordination Network (RCN) dedicated to advancing privacy research and the development, deployment and scaling of privacy enhancing technologies (PETs).
DOE and EPA Announce $9.4 Million to Spur Development of Advanced Biofuels as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $9.4 million in funding for high-impact biofuel technology projects.

Engage with DOE’s efforts that advance critical and emerging technologies

Related topics and resources

AI.gov
Making AI Work for the American People
Quantum.gov
Gateway to Quantum R&D across the U.S. Government
Presidential Actions
Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing
National Laboratories
The National Laboratories have served as the leading institutions for scientific innovation in the United States for more than 60 years.
National Science and Technology Council
Critical and Emerging Technologies Update