Federal Grant Award Summary

Heat2Power Inc. received a $305,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program (CFDA 47.084), effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The company is developing air-bridge thermophotovoltaic (TPV) modules that convert high-temperature thermal energy directly into electricity through solid-state semiconductor technology. The novel air-bridge architecture reflects over 98% of waste infrared photons back to the thermal source, thereby narrowing the energy spectrum to maximize electricity generation efficiency. Unlike conventional heat engines with moving parts, these TPV modules enable rapid load response and greater modularity for distributed energy production in industrial settings.

The project aims to create highly efficient thermophotovoltaic modules suitable for on-site combined heat and power systems, addressing a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity. When integrated with modular thermal batteries, the technology enables facilities to operate with low-cost energy while providing flexible storage solutions to support grid stability. Performance innovations reportedly enable TPV cells to generate up to 500 times more electricity per unit area compared to rooftop solar. The broader impact encompasses reduced primary energy consumption, lower operational costs, job creation at manufacturing scale-up facilities, and development of critical semiconductor technology applicable to both civilian and defense applications. The work is being conducted at Heat2Power Inc.'s facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan.