Energy Technologies

The Energy Technologies solicitation seeks innovative proposals across a broad spectrum of energy generation, storage, and conversion systems, with a strong emphasis on advancing solutions that outperform existing technologies. Focus areas include novel energy sources, power generation methods, and electronic systems designed for mobile and off-grid applications, as well as disruptive advances in conventional resources like natural gas extraction that reduce environmental impact. Proposals must demonstrate clear competitive advantages over current industry standards and are particularly encouraged to explore the integration of computational and data-driven technologies with energy systems. Ideas centered on nature-inspired processes for sustainable energy, carbon capture and storage, and reducing the resource and carbon intensity of hydrocarbon use are highly valued. Energy storage innovations are welcome at all scales, from wearable devices to utility-grade power plants, and the solicitation actively promotes cross-disciplinary approaches that bridge energy technology with data science and intelligent systems. This opportunity is administered by the National Science Foundation under a Total Small Business Set-Aside, meaning only small businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply, in alignment with the SBIR/STTR mandate. The solicitation was posted on May 22, 2026, with a final response deadline of July 7, 2027, providing nearly 14 months for submission preparation. While no specific NAICS code or physical location of performance is designated, applicants must align their proposals with the NSF’s mission to support high-risk, high-reward research that drives technological innovation and national competitiveness in energy systems. All submissions must clearly articulate the technological novelty, scalability, and potential for transformative impact in the energy sector.