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ARPA-E

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Investment thesis

The Department of Energy's advanced-research agency, backing transformational energy technology too early for private capital. A small SBIR portfolio with strong signaling value for climate deep tech.

SBIR/STTR awards · non-dilutive funding

Federal grants and contracts to small businesses — no equity taken. Awards on record 2012–2024.

Awards
265
Companies funded
115
Total awarded
$158.6M
Median award
$256K

122 Phase I · 143 Phase II · 30 via STTR · most-funded states: CA, MA, NY, NC, MD

Recent awardeesPhaseYearAmount
Flexnode IncBethesda, MDPhase IISTTR2024$1.9M
Flexnode IncBethesda, MDPhase IISTTR2024$1.3M
Flexnode IncBethesda, MDPhase ISTTR2024$306.8K
Ampcera Inc.Tuscon, AZPhase II2023$1.8M
JETCOOL TECHNOLOGIES INCLittleton, MAPhase II2023$970.2K
Ampcera Inc.Tuscon, AZPhase I2023$295.5K
JETCOOL TECHNOLOGIES INCLittleton, MAPhase I2023$295.5K
Deep Isolation, Inc.Berkeley, CAPhase I2023$286.6K
Foundation Alloy Technology Explorations, IncCambridge, MAPhase II2023$254.1K
Foundation Alloy Technology Explorations, IncCambridge, MAPhase I2023$195K
TYFAST ENERGY CORPSan Diego, CAPhase II2023$2M
SOUTH 8 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.San Diego, CAPhase II2023$2M
Travertine Technologies, Inc.Boulder, COPhase II2023$1.8M
Project K Energy, Inc.Pasadena, CAPhase II2023$1.4M
Phoenix Tailings, Inc.Woburn, MAPhase II2023$1M
Project K Energy, Inc.Pasadena, CAPhase II2023$924.2K
SOUTH 8 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.San Diego, CAPhase II2023$883.6K
TYFAST ENERGY CORPSan Diego, CAPhase II2023$554.4K
Global Bamboo Technologies, Inc.Ocala, FLPhase II2023$480.7K
AMPHIONIC LLCDexter, MIPhase I2023$295.9K
TYFAST ENERGY CORPSan Diego, CAPhase I2023$295.9K
NK Labs, LLCNewton, MAPhase I2023$295.9K
Project K Energy, Inc.Pasadena, CAPhase I2023$295.5K
SOUTH 8 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.San Diego, CAPhase I2023$295.5K
PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPAnn Arbor, MIPhase I2023$295.3K
Eva Technology Corp.Boston, MAPhase I2023$287.5K
Phoenix Tailings, Inc.Woburn, MAPhase I2023$275K
WH-POWER INCCollege Park, MDPhase I2023$269.6K
C-CRETE TECHNOLOGIES LLCStafford, VAPhase I2023$259.9K
Global Bamboo Technologies, Inc.Ocala, FLPhase I2023$259.6K

Source: SBIR.gov award data (U.S. Small Business Administration). SBIR/STTR awards are non-dilutive — the agency takes no equity.

Instruments
Grants
Tracked investments
85
Acquisitions
1

What they invest in

from 59 of 85 portfolio companies

Cleantech ×35Hardware ×31Deep Tech ×30Energy ×30New Materials ×26Climate Tech ×21Advanced Manufacturing ×18Semiconductors ×8

HQs:United States×53

Investments · 85 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

By year:2023 · 72022 · 62021 · 302020 · 142019 · 32018 · 42017 · 72016 · 42014 · 42012 · 483 dated

Serinuslabsserinuslabs.comin𝕏✓ verified

Serinus Labs develops semiconductor-based sensing systems that detect and interpret chemical signals for practical applications.

CleantechDeep TechHardwareSemiconductorsBerkeley, US

Hossain Fahad(Founder)in

Co-investorsTaiwan Global Angels

Zepsorzepsor.comin✓ verified

Zepsor develops zero-power sensor technology that dramatically reduces battery consumption for IoT and sensing applications.

Deep TechHardwareIoTBoston, US

Matteo Rinaldi(Co-Founder & CEO)inZhenyun Qian(Co-Founder & CTO)in

Co-investorsRaptor GroupSilicon Catalyst

→ Foundation Alloyfoundationalloy.comin𝕏Sep 2023 · $449.1K

Foundational Alloy develops engineering alloys through a solid-state process called MetalsFIRST, in which metal is produced without melting to create microstructures unreachable by conventional metallurgy while controlling oxygen and contaminants.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechNew Materials

Jasper Lienhard(Cofounder)Jake(Co-founder (company strategy, operations, financing, commercialization))

Co-investorsAlumni VenturesAmerica's Frontier FundBasecamp FundCastor VenturesEl Cap EquityMaterial Impact+6 more

ADROIT MATERIALS, INC.adroitmaterials.comJun 2021 · $1M
ADVANCED CONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES LLCadvancedconductor.comAug 2021 · $996.4K

Advanced Conductor Technologies manufactures high-temperature superconducting CORC cables for high-field magnet and power transmission applications.

Deep TechEnergyHardwareNew MaterialsSemiconductors

ADVANCED COOLING TECHNOLOGIES INC1-act.comin𝕏Mar 2022 · $250K

ACT is a manufacturing company with over 220 employees and extensive facility operations focused on reducing environmental impact through energy conservation, recycling programs, and community sustainability initiatives.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense TechHardwareImpact & Social GoodSpace TechLancaster, US

Scott Garner(Co-founder, Vice President of Industrial Products Group)Jon Zuo(President and Chief Technical Officer)

Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc.amlsuperconductivity.comin𝕏Feb 2021 · $1.9M
Air Squared, Inc.airsquared.comMay 2016 · $1.7M
ALTEX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONaltextech.comJan 2021 · $1000K

Altex develops combustion, thermal management, and fuels processing technologies for power systems including fuel cells, gas turbines, and biomass conversion systems.

CleantechClimate TechDeep TechEnergySan Jose, US

Ampceraampcera.comSep 2023 · $2.1M

Ampcera develops scalable, low-cost solid electrolyte materials and solid-state battery technology for next-generation energy storage, aiming for higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety over lithium-ion systems.

CleantechEnergyNew MaterialsMilpitas, US

Hui Du(Co-founder, CEO/CTO)inSumin Zhu(Executive Officer, Director)inInwan Sohn(Director)Alan Zhan-Sheng Lin(Director)

BETTERGY CORP.bettergy.comJun 2017 · $1.5M
BIG BLUE TECHNOLOGIES INC.bigbluetec.cominJul 2021 · $500K

Big Blue Technologies develops an electrified aluminothermic process for producing primary magnesium metal and calcium aluminate with lower energy use and emissions than the incumbent Pidgeon process.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechNew Materials

Biomasonbiomason.comin𝕏Nov 2022 · $1.8M

Biomason uses biotechnology to grow biocement, producing concrete and tile products by using bacteria to bind natural materials as an alternative to Portland cement, aimed at concrete producers and the construction industry.

BiotechClimate TechConstruction TechNew MaterialsResearch Triangle Park, US

Ginger K. Dosier(Executive Officer, Director)inMichael F. Noel(Director)John M. Dosier(Executive Officer)

Co-investorsNovo HoldingsCarbonCelesta CapitalCelesta Capital

BLUE SKY MEASUREMENTS, INC.bluesky.ecoJun 2021 · $499.5K
C-CRETE TECHNOLOGIES LLCccretetech.cominOct 2019 · $2.8M

C-Crete manufactures a cement-free, ultra-low carbon concrete that matches conventional concrete in cost and performance for construction applications.

CleantechClimate TechConstruction TechNew Materials

Celadynetechceladynetech.comin𝕏Apr 2020 · $500K

Celadyne develops thin, durable proton exchange membranes used in fuel cells, electrolyzers, and flow batteries, with hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis as initial applications.

CleantechEnergyNew MaterialsChicago, US

Gary Ong(Founder & CEO)inCorey Staller(CTO)in

Co-investorsShell VenturesSputnik ATXManiv MobilityDynamo Ventures

Communityenergyinccommunityenergyinc.comin𝕏Apr 2020 · $500K

Community Energy is a U.S. renewable energy developer that led early large-scale wind and later solar generation projects.

CleantechClimate TechEnergy

Co-investorsSJF Ventures

CompRex, LLCcomprex-llc.cominSep 2019 · $1.5M

CompRex designs and manufactures compact heat exchangers and reactors using diffusion bonding and brazed plate fin technology for high-temperature and high-pressure industrial applications.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechDeep TechEnergyHardwareLa Crosse, US

Zhijun Jia(CEO and Founder)

CREARE LLCcreare.cominApr 2021 · $769.8K

Creare is an engineering and research company with advanced laboratory and fabrication facilities for experimental work across scales and temperatures.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense TechDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareHardwareNew MaterialsSpace TechHanover, US

Dr. Jay Rozzi(Vice President, Principal Engineer)Jeff Breedlove(Senior Staff)Dr. Odile Clavier(Senior Staff)Dr. Patrick Magari(President, Principal Engineer)

Deep Isolationdeepisolation.comin𝕏Sep 2023 · $286.6K

Deep Isolation Nuclear, Inc. is a company whose stock trades on the OTCQB under the ticker DBHL.

CleantechClimate TechDeep TechEnergyBerkeley, US

Richard Muller(Executive Officer, Director)inElizabeth Muller(Executive Officer, Director)inKent S. Cole(Director)

Co-investorsNucleation Capital

DEEP REACH TECHNOLOGY INCdeepreachtech.comApr 2020 · $497.4K
DESIGNS BY NATURAL PROCESSES, INCdesignsbynaturalprocesses.comMay 2021 · $800K
emergyemrgy.comin𝕏Sep 2021 · $3.3M

Emrgy develops a redesigned hydropower technology that lets customers generate continuous clean energy from existing water flows, supporting decentralized grid power independence.

CleantechClimate TechEnergyAtlanta, US

Emily Morris(Chief Executive Officer & Founder)inTom Cuthbert(Chief Technology Officer)in

BoardJennifer McFarlane(Director)Anastasia Istratova(Director)inJustin Wright-Eakes(Director)inBob Kelly(Director)

Co-investorsOval Park CapitalFifth WallAtlanta Technology AngelsAvila

Empowerempowersemi.cominFeb 2018 · $986KAcquired

Empower Semiconductor designs power management and mixed-signal integrated circuits, including high-power and voltage regulation devices for the semiconductor industry.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardwareSemiconductors

Tim Phillips(Chief Executive Officer & President, Founder)inGene Sheridan(Founder)inTrey Roessig(Chief Technology Officer & SVP Engineering)Kurt Redfield(Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer)

Co-investorsCapitalGRaptor GroupSamsung Catalyst FundSocratic PartnersAtreides ManagementFidelity Investments+7 more

ENVERGEX LLCenvergex.comMar 2021 · $2M

Envergex develops environmental engineering solutions for industrial facilities, specializing in emissions control and advanced materials for coal, biomass, and cement processing.

CleantechEnergyNew Materials

Essincessinc.comin𝕏Oct 2012 · $2.8M

ESS Tech, Inc. builds iron flow battery systems for long-duration energy storage, offering up to 22 hours of storage to provide baseload power for grids, AI data centers, and communities.

CleantechEnergyHardware

Craig Evans(Founder)in

Co-investorsBreakthrough Energy VenturesSand Hill AngelsCycle Capital

Frost Methanefrostmethane.cominJul 2021 · $451.7K

Frost Methane Labs installs and remotely operates cover-and-flare systems that capture and destroy methane from livestock manure storage, then sells the resulting carbon credits and shares revenue with farms.

AgTechCleantechClimate TechEnergyJuneau, US

Olga Irzak(Executive Officer, Director)Olya Irzak(Founder)in

BoardEdwin Chiu(Director)

Co-investorsLOWERCARBONLowercarbon CapitalSkyview Ventures

Gencoresgencores.comAug 2022 · $494K

Co-investorsDorm RoomThe E14 Fund

GINER INCginerinc.comJun 2021 · $500K
GLINT PHOTONICS, INC.glintlighting.comJan 2016 · $2.5M

Glint, a brand by Luminii, makes specification-grade architectural lighting including the HERO luminaire family, whose patented LightShift technology adjusts light direction without moving the fixture.

Advanced ManufacturingHardware

HighT-Techhight-tech.cominMay 2020 · $500K

HighT-Tech develops advanced battery membranes and components using ultra-high strength (UHS) technology to improve performance, safety, and lifespan in battery applications.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechDeep TechEnergyHardwareNew MaterialsCollege Park, US

Robert Gatte(Executive Officer, Director)Chao Wang(Co-Founder)Yunhui Gong(Director)Liangbing Hu(Co-Founder)in

BoardEdmund Gaffney(Director)

HYPER TECH RESEARCH INChypertechresearch.comApr 2021 · $4.4M
HyperJet Fusion Corporationhyperjetfusion.comMar 2020 · $500K
IBEAM MATERIALS, INC.ibeammaterials.comMar 2014 · $2.9M

iBeam Materials develops ion-beam crystal alignment technology for manufacturing high-performance gallium nitride (GaN) devices on large-area substrates, enabling low-cost microLED displays and semiconductor applications.

Deep TechHardwareNew MaterialsSemiconductorsSanta Fe, US

Vladimir Matias(Founder & CEO)

Co-investorsSamsung Ventures

Imagen Energy LLCimagenenergy.comDec 2017 · $847.9K
Inventwoodinventwood.cominAug 2021 · $500K

InventWood produces SUPERWOOD, a wood-based structural material engineered at the nanoscale to be stronger than steel while lighter, offering properties like fire resistance and transparency for use in construction and buildings.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechConstruction TechNew MaterialsFrederick, US

Liangbing Hu(Founder)inALEXANDER LAU(CEO, President and Chairman)TIMOTHY KREBS(Secretary, Treasurer)

BoardKEVIN TIDWELL(Director)

Co-investorsBaruch Future VenturesCool Climate CollectivePulse FundDangerous Ventures

ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.itnes.comOct 2012 · $1.7M
JetCooljetcool.comin𝕏Sep 2023 · $1.3M

JetCool designs direct-to-chip liquid cooling modules that use microconvective cooling technology to reduce energy consumption, water usage, and carbon footprints in high-power electronics.

CleantechDeep TechHardwareSemiconductorsLittleton, US

Bernard Malouin Jr.(Executive Officer, Director)Jordan Mizerak(Cofounder)inBernie Malouin(Founder & CEO)inAlexandra Manick(Director)inLawrence Fish(Director)

Co-investorsBosch VenturesMassVenturesRobert Bosch Venture CapitalSchooner CapitalIn-Q-TelRaptor Group

KYMA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.kymatech.comFeb 2014 · $3.2M

Kyma Technologies develops and supplies crystalline semiconductor materials—gallium nitride (GaN), aluminum nitride (AlN), and gallium oxide (Ga2O3)—for use in power electronics, RF devices, and optoelectronic applications.

Deep TechEnergyHardwareNew MaterialsSemiconductorsDurham, US

Heather Splawn(Co-founder)Jacob LeachGregg DodsonJerome CuomoMark Williams

Lectrolystlectrolyst.comin𝕏Apr 2020 · $500K

Lectrolyst develops patented electrolyzer technology that converts carbon dioxide emissions into multi-carbon chemicals such as acetate and ethylene, partnering with carbon emitters and chemical consumers to produce everyday products including edible protein and plastics.

CleantechClimate TechDeep TechFoodTechNew MaterialsWilmington, US

Greg Hutchings(Co-founder & President)inFeng Jiao(Co-founder & Scientific Advisor)in

Co-investorsThe Innovation Space

LITTORAL POWER SYSTEMS, INC.littoralpower.cominSep 2021 · $3.5M

Littoral Power Systems develops and manufactures products for hydropower and ocean energy projects that reduce construction time, cost, and regulatory complexity.

CleantechEnergyHardware

David Duquette(CEO)

Living Carbonlivingcarbon.comin𝕏Aug 2021 · $499.5K

Living Carbon develops precision-bred tree varieties and reforestation techniques to convert marginal land into carbon-sequestering ecosystems.

Advanced ManufacturingAgTechBiotechClimate TechSan Francisco, US

Maddie Hall(Founder)in

Co-investorsCongruent VenturesDarco CapitalFloodgateHomebrewJuniperLOWERCARBON+9 more

Lixivialixivia-inc.comMar 2021 · $1.1M

Santa Barbara, US

Michael Wyrsta(Executive Officer, Director)

BoardK. Leonard Judson(Director)Zachary Komon(Director)

Co-investorsCycad Group LLC

LUNA INNOVATIONS INCORPORATEDlunainc.comin𝕏Jan 2021 · $989.7K

Luna Innovations develops fiber optics, nanomaterials, and precision assembly solutions across multiple technical domains.

Advanced ManufacturingData & InfrastructureDeep TechHardwareNew Materials

Kevin Ilcisin(President and Chief Executive Officer)Will Denman(Senior Vice President, General Manager, Optical Communications Testing Business Unit)

MAINSTREAM ENGINEERING CORPmainstream-engr.cominJan 2023 · $199.7K

Mainstream Engineering develops and manufactures thermal management, power systems, refrigerated containers, and specialty products for government, military, commercial, and industrial applications.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense TechEnergyHardwareRockledge, US

Materials and Systems Research, Inc.msrihome.comOct 2012 · $3.2M
Mezzotechmezzotech.comSep 2019 · $1.4M

Co-investorsLouisiana Funds

MICHIGAN AEROSPACE CORPmichaero.cominMar 2021 · $2M

Michigan Aerospace Corporation (MAC) is an engineering and products company that develops sensing systems, intelligent systems, and software for space, air, and earth-bound applications.

Deep TechHardwareSpace Tech

MOHAWK INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC.mohawkinnovative.comMar 2016 · $2.5M
MOLECULE WORKS INCORPORATEDmoleculeworks.comJun 2017 · $2.3M
Monolith Semiconductormonolithsemi.comJan 2014 · $1.7M

Round Rock, US

Kevin Matocha(Executive Officer, Director)Sujit Banerjee(Executive Officer, Director)Kiran Chatty(Executive Officer, Director)

BoardChad Marak(Director)

Morimori.comMay 2020 · $500K

Mori makes a silk protein-based protective coating that extends the shelf life of fresh and packaged foods.

Co-investorsAcre Venture PartnersBlindspot Ventures Management CoBluestein VenturesCollaborative FundDns CapitalThe Engine Ventures+2 more

Mosaicmaterialsmosaicmaterials.comJul 2021 · $500K

Co-investorsBaruch Future Ventures

N5 Sensorsn5sensors.comin𝕏Jun 2018 · $1.5M

N5 Sensors builds wireless environmental detection systems combining its proprietary SPH chemical sensor arrays, cloud connectivity, and AI analytics to detect wildfires, air quality events, and chemical threats.

AI & Machine LearningHardwareIoTRockville, US

Abhishek Motayed(Founder (referenced))in

Co-investorsMaryland TEDCOTEDCO

NANOSD, INC.nanosdinc.comJan 2017 · $3M
Nitricitynitricity.coin𝕏Jul 2021 · $500K

Nitricity produces plant-based fertilizer for agricultural use, focused on sustainable soil health for farmers and growers.

AgTechCleantechClimate TechFremont, US

Dr. Joshua McEnaney(President, CTO, Co-Founder)inDr. Jay Schwalbe(CSO, Co-Founder)Nicolas Pinkowski(Founder)in

BoardShayle Kann(Director)inRajesh Swaminathan(Director)inTony Etnyre(Director)

Co-investorsAlumni VenturesCongruent VenturesEnergy Impact PartnersFine Structures VenturesKhosla VenturesLOWERCARBON+2 more

NOMIS POWER CORPORATIONnomispower.cominJul 2021 · $498.3K

NoMIS Power develops Silicon Carbide power semiconductor devices and packaging for high-performance applications including AI data centers, EV fast charging, industrial motors, and defense systems.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechEnergyHardwareSemiconductorsAlbany, US

Dr. Adam J Morgan(Co-founder, CEO, & Technical Lead for Packaging Design)Dr. Woongje Sung(Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer)Gehan Wanduragala(Co-founder, Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer)Dr. Anant Agarwal(Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer)Dr. Shahedipour-Sandvik(Co-Founder)

noon-energynoon.energyApr 2020 · $500K

Noon Energy develops ultra-long-duration battery storage using a reversible solid oxide fuel cell and carbon-based storage media to deliver 100+ hours of clean, firm power.

CleantechClimate TechDeep TechEnergyPalo Alto, US

Mary Kalee Whitehouse(Executive Officer, Promoter)Chris Graves(Co-founder)Kalee Whitehouse(Co-founder)Richard M. Swanson(Director)

BoardAmy Duffuor(Director)in

Co-investorsAt One VenturesAzolla VenturesClean Energy VenturesPrime Impact FundTechEnergy VenturesXplorer Capital+1 more

OCEAN RENEWABLE POWER CO INCorpc.co𝕏Oct 2021 · $3.6M

ORPC develops marine renewable energy technology and is collaborating on microgrid solutions with industry partners like Schneider Electric.

CleantechClimate TechEnergyHardware

Christopher R. Sauer(Co-founder, CEO and Board Chairman (retired 2020))John R. Cooper(Co-founder)Paul H. Wells(Co-founder)

OCOocochem.comJul 2021 · $493.9K

OCOchem develops an electrochemical process that converts CO2 into formic acid (hydrogen formate) using only electricity and water, aiming to undercut the cost of the fossil-fuel-based version.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechClimate TechNew MaterialsRichland, US

Todd T. Brix(CEO and Co-Founder)Arun S. Agarwal(Chief Technology Officer)Arthur Terry Brix(Executive Officer, Director)

BoardJoshua Phitoussi(Director)inA.T. "Terry" Brix(Chairman & Chief Strategy Advisor)

Co-investorsTO VC

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Frequently asked questions

How many investments has ARPA-E made?
ARPA-E has 85 tracked investments, 1 of which have exited.