US Department of Energy: AI funding opportunities for small businesses

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Commercialization announced a new Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I award opportunity focused on technologies supporting DOE's Genesis Mission, with an anticipated 40 awards across four topic areas including AI for quantum computing and AI-driven autonomous laboratories. DOE is also opening approximately $147 million in Phase II funding opportunities, and small businesses must submit pitches by September 10 via the DOE SBIR/STTR Application Hub.

American small businesses are invited to develop breakthrough technologies that advance the U.S. Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission. Office of Technology Commercialization /technologycommercialization Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy DOE Office of Technology Commercialization OTC today announced the opening of a new Small Business Innovation Research SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer STTR Phase I award opportunity. Focused on technologies that support DOE’s Genesis Mission, this initial release precedes a broader Phase I funding opportunity expected later this fall. “The Genesis Mission brings together the capabilities needed to accelerate scientific discovery and unlock breakthroughs that will shape the future,” said DOE Under Secretary for Science and Genesis Mission Lead Dr. Darío Gil . “The SBIR and STTR programs extend that effort to America's small businesses, helping transform advances in AI, quantum information science, biotechnology, and advanced materials into breakthroughs that strengthen U.S. scientific and technological leadership.” The Phase I projects will support an anticipated 40 awards across the following four Genesis Mission-focused topic areas: - Scaling the Biotechnology Revolution - Realizing Quantum Systems for Discovery: AI for Quantum Computing and Networking - Designing Materials with Predictable Functionality - Achieving AI-Driven Autonomous Laboratories The DOE SBIR/STTR programs play a vital role in advancing high-impact research and economic development through non-dilutive funding for American small businesses. Newly under the management of OTC, the program leverages DOE’s Partnership Intermediary, ConnectWerx, to streamline program delivery, increase speed, and expand access to American small businesses. “We’ve redesigned the DOE SBIR and STTR programs to make them faster, simpler, and more accessible for America’s innovators,” said DOE Chief Commercialization Officer and Director of OTC Anthony Pugliese . “By reducing unnecessary burden and improving applicant support, we’re making it easier for small businesses to focus on developing technologies that strengthen our nation’s energy leadership, scientific discovery, and national security.” Small businesses with high-potential technologies are encouraged to submit their pitches by Thursday, September 10, via the DOE SBIR/STTR Application Hub https://sbir-sttr.connectwerx.org/ . For more information about SBIR/STTR, including applicant resources, visit the DOE SBIR/STTR programs webpage https://www.energy.gov/technologycommercialization/doe-small-business-innovation-research-sbir-and-small-business . In addition to the Phase I opportunity, DOE is also opening approximately $147 million in DOE SBIR/STTR Phase II funding opportunities, supporting eligible small businesses as they continue advancing technologies toward commercialization. Eligible recipients of DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I, Phase II, and Follow-on Phase II awards from prior fiscal years will receive direct outreach with application requirements and timelines. An additional Phase I opportunity will open for applications in fall 2026. Stay connected https://sbir-sttr.connectwerx.org/stay-connected/ .