DOE ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy)
DOE program funding high-risk, high-reward clean energy R&D, with ~$400 million annual budget for startups and research teams.
About this program
ARPA-E supports transformational energy technology R&D that is too early for commercial investment but has high potential impact on U.S. energy security, economic competitiveness, and emissions reductions. Annual budget is approximately $400 million. ARPA-E issues both topic-specific FOAs (cohort programs around specific technical challenges) and the OPEN FOA (broad, periodically issued, supporting any high-impact energy technology). Typical Phase 1 awards range from $250,000 to $10 million over multiple years.
Eligibility
U.S. companies (including startups), universities, research labs, and consortia. Foreign entities may participate via U.S.-based partners. Projects must be transformational, high-risk, and address ARPA-E mission areas.
Requirements
- Watch ARPA-E EERE Exchange for FOA releases
- Submit concept paper (typically 6-7 pages)
- If invited, submit full application with technical plan, budget, and team description