Early stage energy technologies face a number of challenges in transitioning for basic research to market solutions.

EERE has created specific Initiatives in order to address the commercialization challenges that energy efficient and renewable energy technologies must face.

These Initiatives are developed to launch emerging energy technologies off the ground and into the Marketplace.

Commercialization Challenge Initiative

Talent Gap

Entrepreneur in Residence
Commercialization Fellowship

The Talent Gap stems from the fact that commercializing technologies requires technical and business skills. Typically, in order to ascertain high quality in both skill areas, two different types of people are needed. That is why the Commercialization Team brings together scientists and businessmen. The Entrepreneur in Residence is design to address this gap.

Information Gap

Technology Commercialization Showcase

The Information Gap is based on the variation of jargon among trades. Technical language is foreign to the business community; a forum for scientists and businessmen to communicate provides translation. The Technology Commercialization Showcase is this forum.

Capital Gap

Technology Commercialization and Deployment (TCD) Fund

It is simpler to maneuver around Capital Gaps with a clear course of action: a business plan. Business plans are more easily understood by Venture Capitalists than research papers, and provide steps toward the Marketplace. The Technology Commercialization and Deployment Fund encourages and enables funding toward business development.

Strategy

Equity Share License Agreement

Strategies have been created to overcome the Commercialization Valley of Death, which is not unique to national labs. One strategy developed is the Equity Share License Agreement.