What Is the Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program’s Mission?

New innovations, derived from investments in basic and applied energy research at universities and national labs, are critical to building a clean energy economy. The mission of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP) is to enable the most promising clean tech entrepreneurs to develop game-changing technologies for a clean energy future.

How Does It Work?

Each LEEP "node" recruits clean energy’s best and brightest minds through a national call for a two-year funded fellowship that will help move their emerging technology into the market. Early-stage startups embed at their respective national lab and are mentored by a lab scientist. The programs also provide local, regional, and national ecosystem support including business entrepreneurship training to eliminate the hurdles traditionally faced by early-stage clean tech startups.

These innovators are our future. The program supports the revolutionary technologies that may save the planet.

How Do We Support Participants?

LEEP participants receive:

  • A paid 2-year fellowship
  • Healthcare benefits
  • Access to equipment and scientists at national laboratories
  • Yearly travel allowance
  • Mentorship, programming, ecosystem networking
  • Annual Demo Day access, introducing them to ecosystem partners and investors to startups.

Where Can Participants Find Resources?

Each participating node leverages the unique strengths of their respective national lab as well as their regional innovation ecosystem. This includes connecting participants with local businesses, innovators, sources of funding, and university resources.

Currently, there are four nodes:

Alumni Successes

News & Blogs