The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today selected 27 innovators and entrepreneurs to join the latest cohorts in its Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP).
July 15, 2025
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DOE selected 27 innovators and entrepreneurs to join the latest cohorts in its Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP)
Selectees will participate in a two-year fellowship designed to bring cutting-edge technologies from lab to market
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today selected 27 innovators and entrepreneurs to join the latest cohorts in its Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP). Selectees will be embedded within four U.S. national laboratories where they will work with an extensive network of mentors and experts to develop transformative energy technologies.
“The LEEP Program epitomizes DOE’s commitment to empowering American inventors and entrepreneurs to improve the affordability, reliability, and security of our energy system,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Lou Hrkman. “I look forward to seeing this new round of fellows make its mark on American energy and manufacturing.”
Past LEEP fellows have developed breakthrough technologies that became the foundation of thriving businesses. Since the program's inception in 2015, 182 LEEP startups have attracted $4.2 billion in follow-on funding and created more than 3,800 jobs.
During their two-year fellowship, LEEP participants perform critical research and development to hone their startup technologies with the goal of advancing those technologies from lab to market. The program also supports fellows by providing training in business development, networking opportunities, and access to the resources and expertise of the U.S. national laboratories.
- Cyclotron Road at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- Innovation Crossroads at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Chain Reaction Innovations at Argonne National Laboratory
- West Gate at National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Read more about the 27 selected innovators for LEEP.
LEEP is managed and funded by DOE’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office with additional funding for this year’s cohort from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office, and Wind Energy Technologies Office along with DOE’s Office of Electricity, and Office of Science.