Energy I-Corps
Stored: Energy I-Corps
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Office of Technology Transitions |
| Top Organization | Department of Energy |
| Creation Legislation | N/A |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | To enhance the commercial impact of DOE-funded research by training national laboratory researchers in entrepreneurial skills and market engagement. It helps transform lab innovations into viable business opportunities.[1] |
| Program Start | 2015 |
| Initial Funding | |
| Duration | Indefinite |
| Historic | No |
Energy I-Corps (EIC) is a program designed to enhance the commercial impact of DOE-funded research by training national laboratory researchers in entrepreneurial skills and market engagement. It helps transform lab innovations into viable business opportunities, providing critical training in customer discovery and business model development.[2]
Goals
- Accelerate the commercialization of technologies developed at DOE's National Laboratories.[3]
- Train researchers in understanding market needs and customer discovery.
- Increase the number of technology transfers from labs to industry.
Organization
The Energy I-Corps is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Technology Transitions (OTT). The program is managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on behalf of DOE. The leadership role for the program is held by the Chief Commercialization Officer within the Office of Technology Transitions.
Funding for the program includes support from DOE's various program offices and external partnerships.
Partners
History
Energy I-Corps was initiated in 2015, inspired by the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program, to bridge the gap between lab research and market application.[4] The program has grown, with cohorts held biannually, training numerous teams from across the national lab system. Over time, it has expanded its scope, including special tracks for different types of researchers and technologies. It is part of a broader strategy to ensure that U.S. innovations in energy technology lead to economic benefits.
Funding
While specific initial funding amounts are not publicly detailed, Energy I-Corps benefits from DOE's budget allocations for technology transfer and commercialization. Teams selected for the program receive financial support for travel, workshops, and related expenses during the training period. Additional funding opportunities may come from DOE program offices or through competitive grants for commercialization efforts post-training.
Implementation
The program operates through:
- Intensive two-month training sessions where teams of lab researchers, an entrepreneurial lead, and an industry mentor work together.
- Customer discovery interviews, where at least 75 industry stakeholders are interviewed to validate market fit.
- Post-training, teams are encouraged to continue refining their business propositions, aiming for technology licensing or startup formation.
There is no defined end date for the program as it continues to evolve based on the DOE's strategic priorities.
Related
External links
- https://energyicorps.energy.gov
- wikipedia:Energy I-Corps
Social media
- No official social media accounts listed for Energy I-Corps specifically.
- ↑ "About Energy I-Corps". https://energyicorps.energy.gov. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "About Energy I-Corps". https://energyicorps.energy.gov. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Energy I-Corps". https://www.energy.gov/oced/energy-i-corps. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "About Energy I-Corps". https://energyicorps.energy.gov. Retrieved January 30, 2025.