Funder: Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (ARPA-E)
Due Dates: September 30, 2029 (Concept Papers accepted any time until closing date)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 per award | Project duration up to 18 months
Summary: Supports early-stage, high-risk, high-impact energy technology R&D projects with transformative and disruptive potential.
Key Information: Concept Papers are required and may be submitted at any time; only selected applicants will be invited to submit Full Applications.
Description
This opportunity from ARPA-E provides flexible, rapid support for early-stage applied research and proof-of-concept projects in energy technology. The program is intentionally broad, seeking innovative, high-risk ideas that could lead to transformational and disruptive advances in how energy is produced, delivered, stored, or used. Projects should not be incremental improvements or already covered by open ARPA-E focused programs. The goal is to catalyze new learning curves and create technologies with the potential for significant impact on U.S. energy security, emissions, efficiency, and infrastructure resilience.
Due Dates
- Concept Papers: Accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2029.
- Full Applications: By invitation only, after Concept Paper review.
Funding Amount
- Award Ceiling: $500,000 (federal share per project)
- Project Duration: Up to 18 months
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $10,000,000 per year (subject to appropriations)
- Renewal: At ARPA-E’s discretion, based on progress and available funds
Eligibility
- Who can apply:
- Individuals (U.S. citizens or permanent residents; funding must be awarded to an entity)
- Domestic entities: for-profits, educational institutions, nonprofits, FFRDCs/DOE Labs
- Foreign entities: must form or designate a U.S. subsidiary/affiliate to receive funding; all work must be performed in the U.S. (waivers possible)
- Consortia: must designate a U.S.-incorporated representative
- Cost Sharing:
- Not required for domestic educational institutions, nonprofits, small businesses, or FFRDCs (as standalone or exclusive project teams)
- Required for large for-profit entities: 20% of total project cost
Application Process
- Step 1: Register and submit a Concept Paper (max 4 pages) via ARPA-E eXCHANGE.
- Concept Papers may be submitted at any time before the closing date.
- Use the Concept Paper template and follow all formatting requirements.
- Step 2: ARPA-E reviews Concept Papers for compliance, responsiveness, and technical merit.
- Only the most meritorious concepts will be invited to submit a Full Application.
- Step 3: If invited, submit a Full Application via ARPA-E eXCHANGE.
- Step 4: Award negotiation and project initiation for selected proposals.
Important: Applications must propose concepts not covered by open ARPA-E focused FOAs and must not represent incremental improvements. Review current ARPA-E programs before applying.
Additional Information
- Technical Categories: Applicants must select a primary technical category (e.g., electricity generation, storage, efficiency, grid, transportation, etc.) or "Other Energy Technologies" if not listed.
- Review Criteria: Impact, state of the art, innovation, risks/challenges, project plan, and team qualifications.
- Restrictions: No basic research, large-scale demonstrations, or projects lacking a clear R&D plan. All work must be performed in the U.S. unless a waiver is granted.
- Multiple Submissions: Applicants may submit multiple, scientifically distinct Concept Papers.
External Links
Contact Information