DOE has announced a new (July) 2026 solicitation. This is a special solicitation and it is expected that a more traditional solicitation will also be released soon.
Newly under the management of DOE OTC (Office of Technology Commercialization), the program leverages DOE’s Partnership Intermediary, ConnectWerx, to streamline program delivery, increase speed, and expand access to American small businesses.
DOE Announces $10M in Phase I SBIR/STTR Funding Opportunity Supporting the Genesis Mission
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) has opened a new $10 million Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase I funding opportunity. American small businesses developing technologies aligned with DOE’s Genesis Mission are encouraged to submit pitches.
The Genesis Mission opportunity kicks off this year’s DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I funding opportunities, with additional technology topics expected later this fall. Through the Genesis Mission opportunity, DOE anticipates granting approximately 40 Phase I awards across four topic areas: biotechnology, quantum computing and networking, advanced materials, and AI-driven autonomous laboratories.
In addition to the Phase I opportunity, DOE is also opening approximately $147 million in DOE SBIR/STTR Phase II funding opportunities, supporting eligible small businesses woh had prior DOE awards as they continue advancing technologies toward commercialization. The portal for all Opportunities can be found at ConnectWerx.
FY26 Phase I Genesis Mission Opportunity
DOE announced the opening of the FY26 Phase I Genesis Mission SBIR/STTR opportunity on July 22, 2026. The application portal is hosted by ConnectWerx, a DOE partner. These projects will support an anticipated 40 awards across the following four Genesis Mission-focused topic areas:
- Scaling the Biotechnology Revolution
- Realizing Quantum Systems for Discovery: AI for Quantum Computing and Networking
- Designing Materials with Predictable Functionality
- Achieving AI-Driven Autonomous Laboratories
Specifics on the Genesis Mission are available on the application portal. This initial release precedes a broader Phase I funding opportunity expected later this fall.
Some important new highlights.
- Expanded small company due diligience. See https://www.energy.gov/technologycommercialization/security-risk-management-sbirsttr. Go down to DOE Due Diligence.
- Enhanced and quite detailed cybersecurity requirements for Fast Track and Phase II applicants. See https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Foreign-Risk-Management/Cybersecurity-Due-Diligence-Program/Requirement-Self-Assessment
- See the DOE SBIR/STTR Cybersecurity Self-Assessment form and instructions here https://science.osti.gov/-/media/sbir/pdf/Application_Resources/2024/Cybersecurity-SelfAssessment-Worksheet08292024Version-2.pdf.
DOE has updated it’s Pitch Requirement. Pitch Questions (including word limits) are below
Key Questions at the Pitch Stage
1. Summary, Topic, and Mission Alignment (100 words or less): Provide a brief layperson overview of the project. Describe how your project aligns with your chosen topic area as well as U.S. Department of Energy’s mission and priorities.
2. Technical Promise (200 words or less): Provide an overview of the scientific and technical foundation of your project. Briefly address its Significance – the importance and urgency of the challenge being addressed, Innovation – the novelty of the proposed solution to help provide a viable product or service, and Feasibility – the ability to successfully prove the concept within the proposed timeline and budget. Please avoid deep technical jargon and focus on what matters to non-technical evaluators.
3. Commercialization Potential (200 words or less): Describe how your technology addresses a market need and outline your pathway to customers and revenue. Briefly address your Value Proposition – the technology’s ability to meet identified customer needs, Competitive Advantage – a realistic assessment of the competitive landscape, and your Go-to-Market Strategy – the pathway to market, including supply chain planning, target customers, and sales channels.
4. Team Qualifications (200 words or less): Outline how your team possesses the technical expertise, commercialization experience, and strategic partnerships necessary to successfully execute the project. Briefly address your Company – the relevant experience of the team, Partnerships – the strength and relevance of external partners (or plans to secure partners) who will enhance the likelihood of the project’s success, and Financials – a credible plan for securing follow-on funding.
For insights into the latest NSF solicitations and process, visit our NSF SBIR/STTR Page.
For a LOT of info on NIH, visit our NIH SBIR/STTR Page.
If you want advice and support as you build out your team, check out our StartupTherapy™ Resources and Help page!
Designer Investor Resources – Fundamentals of Raising Startup Capital is another summary page of great resources to help you if you are raising capital from investors.
Don’t forget, if you need more help, check out our online course, Develop a Winning SBIR Strategy, and don’t forget your free guide below! It is truly unique in the industry, make sure to grab your copy!
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