Fundraising Fox

ARPA-E

Grant agency

Fox Verdict
Sign up to see your fit

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
TYFAST ENERGY CORPSan Diego, CAPhase I2023$295.9K
AMPHIONIC LLCDexter, MIPhase 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
83

What they invest in

from 56 of 83 portfolio companies

Cleantech ×31Energy ×25Hardware ×22New Materials ×22Climate Tech ×20Deep Tech ×20Advanced Manufacturing ×14Semiconductors ×4

HQs:United States×38

Investments · 83 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

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

→ 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 Ventures (an Alumni Ventures Fund)El Cap EquityMaterial Impact+4 more

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

Advanced Conductor Technologies manufactures high-temperature superconducting (HTS) Conductor on Round Core (CORC®) cables and wires used in high-current power cable systems and high-field magnets.

Deep TechEnergyNew Materials

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

Advanced Cooling Technologies (ACT) develops, engineers, and manufactures thermal management products and provides related services including product development, manufacturing, and post-delivery support such as spare parts, repairs, and field servicing.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware

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

Altex Technologies Corporation develops energy technology solutions designed to be compact, lightweight, efficient, and clean, aimed at improving energy security and addressing climate change.

CleantechClimate 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)Sumin Zhu(Executive Officer, Director)Inwan 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)Michael 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 Technologies is a materials science company that makes cement-free, ultra-low or negative carbon concrete using natural rocks and industrial by-products as an alternative to Portland cement.

Climate TechConstruction TechNew Materials

Celadynetechceladynetech.comin𝕏Apr 2020 · $500K

Celadyne develops a domestically manufactured multi-layer proton exchange membrane that reduces hydrogen crossover to improve durability and efficiency in fuel cells and electrolyzers.

CleantechEnergyNew Materials

Co-investorsManiv Mobility

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 a 3D channel design and diffusion bonding, along with high-temperature filters.

Advanced ManufacturingEnergyHardware

CREARE LLCcreare.cominApr 2021 · $769.8K

Creare is an engineering research and development firm that solves complex technical problems and develops new technologies for industry and government customers.

Deep TechHardwareSpace Tech

Dr. Jay Rozzi(Senior Staff)Jeff Breedlove(Senior Staff)Dr. Odile Clavier(Senior Staff)Dr. Patrick Magari(Senior Staff)

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)Elizabeth Muller(Executive Officer, Director)Kent 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)Trey 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 LLC develops products and conducts research focused on environmentally responsible energy generation and use, including advanced materials, energy utilization, and carbon footprint reduction.

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 VenturesCycle 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

College Park, US

Robert Gatte(Executive Officer, Director)Chao Wang(Director)Yunhui Gong(Director)Liangbing Hu(Director)

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 flexible LED and MicroLED devices built on metal foil, using a proprietary crystal-alignment (IBAD) process that enables roll-to-roll manufacturing.

Deep TechHardwareNew Materials

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(Director)Liangbing Hu(Founder)ALEXANDER 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 builds single-phase, direct-to-chip liquid cooling modules using its microconvective cooling technology to manage heat in high-power electronics such as data center servers, high-performance computing systems, and semiconductors.

CleantechHardwareSemiconductorsLittleton, US

Bernard Malouin Jr.(Executive Officer, Director)Jordan Mizerak(Cofounder)Alexandra Manick(Director)Lawrence Fish(Director)

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

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

Kyma Technologies produces GaN, AlN, and Ga2O3 crystalline materials using Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE) and Pulsed Sputtering Deposition (PSD) processes.

Deep TechNew MaterialsSemiconductors

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)Feng Jiao(Co-founder & Scientific Advisor)

Co-investorsThe Innovation Space

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

Littoral Power Systems develops, manufactures, and installs turbines, structural components, and management software for small hydropower and marine energy projects.

CleantechEnergyHardware

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 develops fiber optic sensing, measurement and non-destructive testing systems for physical, mechanical and temperature measurement, along with photonic testing solutions for designing and testing optical components and networks.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware

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

Mainstream Engineering researches, engineers, and manufactures advanced technology products—including refrigeration and environmental control units, power converters, engines, thermal management systems, and bioenergy/sensing solutions—for government, military, commercial, and industrial customers.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense TechRockledge, 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+1 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))

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. Nicolas Pinkowski(CEO, Co-Founder)Dr. Joshua McEnaney(President, CTO, Co-Founder)Dr. Jay Schwalbe(CSO, Co-Founder)Nicolas Pinkowski(Founder)inJoshua McEnaney(Executive Officer, Director)Tony Etnyre(Director)

Co-investorsCongruent VenturesEnergy Impact PartnersFine Structures VenturesKhosla VenturesLOWERCARBONLowercarbon Capital+1 more

NOMIS POWER CORPORATIONnomispower.cominJul 2021 · $498.3K

NoMIS Power designs and develops Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductor devices and packaging architectures for the power electronics market, including applications such as automotive/EVs and solar PV.

Deep TechHardwareSemiconductorsAlbany, US

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

Christopher Ronald Graves(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)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 energy technology, including the RivGen Power System, which generates electricity from free-flowing river and tidal currents to provide baseload power for communities and industrial users located on waterways.

CleantechClimate TechEnergy

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)Todd Brix(Founder)Arun S. Agarwal(Chief Technology Officer)Todd Thoreau Brix(Executive Officer, Director)Arthur Terry Brix(Executive Officer, Director)

BoardJoshua Phitoussi(Director)

Co-investorsTO VC

OPCONDYS INCopcondys.comJan 2018 · $3M

Opcondys is developing the Opticondistor (OTV), a light-controlled power switching device based on wide-bandgap materials that offers faster, higher-temperature operation and greater power handling.

Deep TechEnergyHardware

OTHER LAB, INC.otherlab.com𝕏Apr 2020 · $498.6K

Otherlab is an independent research and design lab that develops technologies in renewable energy, robotics, and manufacturing, incubating internal projects into spinout companies.

CleantechEnergyRobotics

Saul Griffith(Founder, Chief Scientist)James McBride(Co-founder, CTO)

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies