Inventions and Innovation Program

For individuals or small businesses, developing an energy-saving invention can be difficult. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Inventions and Innovation (I&I) offers financial and technical support to inventors and businesses for promising energy-saving concepts and technologies. I&I selects technologies to receive grants through a competitive process. Inventors can apply for a grant when I&I releases an announcement of funding opportunity. Technologies that offer significant energy savings and future commercial market potential are eligible for I&I support.


		I&I-Funded Technologies I&I supports energy efficiency and renewable energy technology development in focus areas that align with 10 EERE programs. These focus areas include:


		Biomass Program Building Technologies Program Distributed Energy Program FreedomCAR & Vehicle Technologies Program Geothermal Technologies Program Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program Industrial Technologies Program Solar Energy Technologies Program Weatherization & Intergovernmental Program Wind & Hydropower Technologies Program


		I&I provides financial assistance for research and development of innovative, energy-saving ideas and inventions. This assistance is provided at two levels: Up to $50,000 for technologies in early-stage development and up to $250,000 for technologies approaching the point of prototype. Cost-share is strongly encouraged to receive a Category 1 or 2 award. In addition to competitively awarded financial assistance, I&I offers its grantees technical guidance through mentoring, and access to information through technology events and referrals. Publications and a database of inventor resources are available to the public.


		Energy TechNet Energy TechNet is a comprehensive website that helps industries and small businesses develop and market new technologies. The site includes a searchable resource database and a tutorial describing each stage of the development process. In addition to these resources, Energy TechNet provides regularly updated news, funding opportunities and events, as well as hundreds of links relevant to energy technology development and commercialization. Access Energy TechNet and find the tools you need to develop your innovative energy technology.

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U.S. Department of Energy

Inventions and Innovation Program

I&I-Funded Technologies

Energy TechNet