Spurring Projects to Advance Energy Research and Knowledge Swiftly (SPARKS)
ARPA-E seeks innovative energy technology R&D projects that can transform energy use, reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and ensure US technological leadership.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy has archived this opportunity.
Funder: Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (ARPA-E)
Due Dates: April 28, 2026 (Concept Paper / FOA closing date)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 per award | Total program funding: $10,000,000 | Award duration: up to 18 months
Summary: Supports high-risk, high-impact early-stage applied research and proof-of-concept projects in transformative energy technologies not currently covered by ARPA-E focused programs.
Key Information: Concept Paper submission is required; only selected applicants will be invited for full applications.
Description
This opportunity from ARPA-E, under the U.S. Department of Energy, is designed to rapidly support innovative, early-stage applied research and proof-of-concept projects in energy technology. The program seeks transformative, disruptive ideas that fall outside the scope of ARPA-E's focused technology programs and have the potential to significantly advance U.S. energy security, reduce emissions, improve efficiency, or enhance the resilience and reliability of energy infrastructure. Projects may include analyses, exploratory research, or proof-of-concept efforts that could inform future ARPA-E programs or represent entirely new avenues in energy technology.
The announcement is intentionally broad to encourage submission of the most creative and impactful ideas in energy R&D. Proposals must be scientifically distinct from existing ARPA-E or other federal programs and should not represent incremental improvements to current technologies.
