Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $1 million in funding to support energy technology incubators through a new prize opportunity, the first part of the Office of Technology Transitions' Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC). This prize is part one in the two-part EPIC program to encourage the robust growth of regional energy innovation ecosystems across the United States. OTT announced part two of EPIC, an additional funding opportunity announcement (FOA), on October 29, 2020.
With the EPIC prize, OTT seeks to recognize the most innovative, comprehensive, and impactful incubators that focus on developing strong innovation clusters, connections, and support for energy-related technology and entrepreneurship that bolster American economic competitiveness and national security. DOE anticipates selecting up to 20 winning incubators for cash prizes of $50,000.
"Under this Administration, the Department has taken a comprehensive approach to technology commercialization that accounts for the entire journey from lab research to market reality."
For the EPIC program overall, “incubators” include accelerators, co-working start-up communities, or other models that accomplish similar goals. Interested parties can learn more about eligibility by visiting the prize website. OTT issued a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for the EPIC program on October 29, 2020.