U.S. DOE announces funding for FY 2021 for composites, energy initiatives

Photo Credit: Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), which announced in July 2020 that it has received $2.7 million in DOE funding for R&D of carbon fiber for hydrogen storage tanks.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) financially supports research and development efforts in its three technology areas: transportation, renewable energy and energy efficiency. On Dec. 14, the EERE released its FY 2021 Phase I Release 2 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), with deadline of Jan. 4, 2021 at 5 p.m. ET.

Eligible small businesses can apply to receive approximately $200,000 to test their innovative ideas over 12 months. Small businesses that receive SBIR/STTR awards keep the rights to any technology developed and are encouraged to commercialize the technology.

Those interested in applying must submit a Letter of Intent by Jan. 4, 2021 to be eligible to submit a full application. Learn more about how to prepare and submit a Phase I Letter of Intent at https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Applicant-Resources/Letter-of-Intent.

Specifically, EERE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) is seeking projects in the following topic and subtopic areas:

Topic 6: Advanced Manufacturing
- 6a: Innovation Research in Semiconductor Chip Design for Edge Computing in Manufacturing
- 6b: Novel Manufacturing Methods for Membranes and Desalination System Components
Topic 17: Conductivity-enhanced materials for Affordable, Breakthrough Leapfrog Electric and Thermal Applications (CABLE) Materials and Applications
- 17a: Technology Transfer Opportunity: Metal-carbon Composition and Composites Manufacturing
- 17b: Electricity Delivery System Applications
- 17e: Electric Systems — Generators and Motors
- 17h: Enhanced Conductivity EV Charging Cables and Couplers
Topic 8: Polymers Upcycling and Recycling
- 8a: Improving Plastics Compatibilization for More Efficient Recycling
Topic 10: Advanced Building Construction Technologies

To learn about the topics and grant application requirements, view the Topic Description Document and the Phase I Release 2 FOA at https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Funding-Opportunities.