About Us
The Department of Energy (DOE) is one of the largest supporters of technology transfer in the federal government. The Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) was established in 2015 to oversee and advance this important mission by expanding the public impact of the Department’s research and development (R&D) portfolio. OTC plays a crucial role in advancing the economic, energy, and national security interests of the nation.
Our Mission
OTC is dedicated to developing the Department’s policy and vision for expanding the commercial impact of its research investments. We streamline information and access to DOE’s National Labs and sites to foster partnerships that move innovations from the labs into the marketplace. Our office supports the dynamic process of technology transfer, involving numerous and varying handoffs between scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs, starting from an idea that ultimately becomes a technology commercialized by the private sector.
Our Role
OTC provides support at each step of the technology transfer process through:
- Data Management and Analysis
- Evidence-based Impact Evaluations
- Stakeholder Engagement
Major Initiatives
OTC oversees several major DOE initiatives, including:
- Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF): A fund designed to help promising energy technologies transfer from the lab to the marketplace.
- Energy I-Corps: A program that equips DOE’s National Lab researchers with the entrepreneurial skills needed to move their technologies out of the lab and into the market.
- Lab Partnering Service: A platform that provides access to DOE’s research facilities and expertise.
- Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC): A program that supports the growth and sustainability of regional innovation clusters to enhance the development of energy technologies.
- Energy Technology University Prize (ETUP): A competition that encourages students to develop and present business plans for energy technology commercialization.
- Pathways Commercial Liftoff Reports: In-depth analyses that provide a roadmap for emerging energy technologies to achieve commercial success.
- Market Analysis: Comprehensive studies that evaluate the commercial potential and market landscape for new technologies.
- Adoption Readiness Levels (ARLs): A framework developed to assess and enhance the readiness of new technologies for market adoption.
- Vouchers Program: The vouchers program provides financial assistance to small businesses and startups, enabling them to collaborate with national laboratories for research, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies.
Additionally, OTC implements public laws passed by Congress, such as the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, and Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Leadership
The Chief Commercialization Officer serves as the Director of the Office of Technology Commercialization. The responsibilities of the Director include oversight of the TCF, the Technology Transfer Working Group, and the coordination of technology transfer activities and best practices across the DOE complex.
Our Reach
OTCs responsibility extends throughout the Department’s programs, 17 National Laboratories, and other research and production facilities located across the country. We work closely with stakeholders and personnel at all these locations to ensure the development of the best policies and to maintain awareness of the latest issues.
Our Commitment
Together with our internal and external partners, OTC works to enhance the nation’s economic competitiveness and strengthen its leadership in innovation and impactful technologies.