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.
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.
