INSPIRING GENERATIONS OF NEW INNOVATORS TO IMPACT TECHNOLOGIES IN ENERGY 2026 (IGNIITE 2026)
IGNIITE 2026 funds early-career researchers to develop transformative, high-impact energy technologies, supporting innovative R&D across all energy sectors through ARPA-E.
Funder: Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy
Due Dates: May 19, 2026 (Concept Paper questions) | May 29, 2026 (Concept Paper submission) | August 17, 2026 (Full Application questions) | August 26, 2026 (Full Application submission) | September 21, 2026 (Replies to Reviewer Comments)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 per award; total program funding approximately $10 million; possible additional $250,000 Director’s Award per project.
Summary: Supports early-career researchers in developing disruptive, high-impact energy technologies across any energy application area.
Key Information: Only standalone applications from early-career PIs are eligible; no cost share required.
Description
This funding opportunity from ARPA-E is designed to empower early-career innovators to develop transformative, high-risk energy technologies with the potential for significant impact across the energy sector. The program is intentionally broad in technical scope, welcoming proposals in any area aligned with ARPA-E’s statutory goals—including but not limited to energy supply chain security, advanced nuclear, geothermal, grid reliability, and American manufacturing competitiveness. In addition to research funding, awardees will participate in annual program events, mentorship, and engagement with ARPA-E, investors, and government stakeholders. The program aims to help early-career scientists and engineers establish independent research trajectories and accelerate the development of disruptive energy solutions.
