Chain Reaction Innovations - Energy Technology Innovation

The Department of Energy Office of Science seeks early-stage physical science and energy technology innovators for the Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) 2027 cohort, with applications due October 30. This is an open competition without set-aside.

Place of performance is Lemont, Illinois 60439 (Argonne National Laboratory). Technical leads must possess a minimum of five years of technology R&D experience and be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Applicants must apply as individuals (though they may have incorporated entities), cannot have raised more than $2 million in private-sector equity, and cannot be current Argonne employees (though Argonne employees may participate if they take Entrepreneurial Leave or terminate employment). Innovations must demonstrate broad impact potential aligned with DOE's mission to advance national, economic, and energy security.

Selected innovators receive up to 24 months of support including personal stipends, travel allowances, and health benefits through an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education fellowship; lab space and technical collaboration from Argonne; and Chain Reaction Innovations mentorship and programming. Participation requires execution of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) terminable by either party with 60 days' written notice. The program comprises a Scope and Planning Phase (typically under six months) followed by an R&D Phase. Selected innovators retain principal worldwide patent rights to developed inventions subject to a government use license, may retain copyrights and publication rights, and have optional exclusive license rights to Argonne-developed inventions. Applicants must develop an IP Management Plan and obtain licenses or options to required background intellectual property within one year of the CRADA period.

Selection emphasizes project leadership qualities (technical strength, outcome orientation, personal excellence), project concept soundness and differentiation with significant long-term impact potential, and technology alignment with program sponsors' mission space. Applications are submitted through chainreaction.anl.gov and include resume, five-page technical deck, innovator background, technology vision, business idea, market analysis, IP status, and fit rationale. NAICS 54171; PSC AJ11.