WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) announces that its Summer Entrepreneurship Program will now be known as the Technology Commercialization Internship. With this change, OTT is also opening the application period for its third cohort of this program.

Changing the name of this program provides a more clear and accessible description of its function and purpose, with which OTT hopes to increase outreach and expand engagement from undergraduate students at technical and community colleges, as well as universities.

The internship leverages the DOE National Laboratory system by pairing students with high-potential energy technologies, mentors, and networks. The Technology Commercialization Internship supports OTT’s mission by training the next generation of STEM professionals while creating a talent pipeline for the DOE and the National Laboratories to advance energy technology commercialization within the United States.

Interns will work at the National Labs on commercialization projects in a multitude of areas. Past projects include a focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and biofuels. Additionally, participants undergo intensive training within the award-winning Energy I-Corps curriculum which includes learning from industry experts, growing professionally, and being given opportunities to expand their networks. 

The program culminates with a gathering of all interns at a National Lab to present their findings to a panel of technology transfer and commercialization experts, tour National Laboratory facilities, hear first-hand from scientists, mentors, and DOE leaders, and complete a graduation ceremony. 

The OTT Technology Commercialization Internship supports the strategic goals of DOE including the Justice40 Initiative and DOE’s efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Students from disadvantaged communities, underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and minority serving institutions are strongly urged to apply.

Whether you’re interested in applying to be an intern or have someone in mind who might be a good fit, the application period is now open. Register for an information session on December 6 at 2 p.m. ET to learn more.