Background Information
On July 16, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of 29 innovators and entrepreneurs from 27 startups for the 2026 cohort of its Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP). The selectees will participate as fellows at one of four National Laboratories where they will receive mentorship, technical support, entrepreneurial training, and access to world-class facilities to help advance next-generation technologies and strengthen America's innovation ecosystem.
During their two-year fellowships, participants will work alongside National Laboratory researchers, industry experts, investors, and commercialization professionals to refine their technologies, develop business strategies, and position their companies for long-term success.
LEEP is managed by DOE's Office of Technology Commercialization. This year's cohort is supported by funding from the Office of Technology Commercialization, the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, and the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response.
Selectees
- Chain Reaction Innovations at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, is welcoming five new fellows
- Cyclotron Road at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California, is welcoming 11 new fellows
- Innovation Crossroads at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is welcoming six new fellows
- West Gate at the National Laboratory of the Rockies in Golden, Colorado, is welcoming seven new fellows
A detailed list of the selected participants can be found here.
Additional Information
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Last Updated: July 23, 2026