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Inventions and Innovation Program
 
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For individuals or small businesses, developing an energy-saving invention can be difficult. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Inventions and Innovation (I&I) offers financial and technical support to inventors and businesses for promising energy-saving concepts and technologies. I&I selects technologies to receive grants through a competitive process.

At present, I&I has no funding for its activities in fiscal year 2007, so it has announced no upcoming funding opportunity solicitations. I&I accepts proposals only during open solicitations. Please continue to visit the I&I website and click the Financial Opportunities tab for information about any upcoming solicitations.


I&I-Funded Technologies

I&I supports energy efficiency and renewable energy technology development in focus areas that align with nine EERE programs. These focus areas include:

Biomass Program
Building Technologies Program
Vehicle Technologies Program
Geothermal Technologies Program
Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program
Industrial Technologies Program
Solar Energy Technologies Program
Weatherization & Intergovernmental Program
Wind & Hydropower Technologies Program


I&I provides financial assistance for research and development of innovative, energy-saving ideas and inventions. This assistance is provided at two levels: Up to $50,000 for technologies in early-stage development and up to $250,000 for technologies approaching the point of prototype. Cost-share is strongly encouraged to receive a Category 1 or 2 award.

Access Energy TechNet to find the tools your business needs to develop and market innovative technologies.

Projects by State

U.S. Map

Click here to view I&I technologies in each state.


I&I Inventor Resources

In addition to competitively awarded financial assistance, I&I offers its grantees technical guidance and mentoring through Energy TechNet, a comprehensive Web site for inventors, as well as access to information through technology events and referrals. Publications and a database of inventor resources are available to the public.