ARPA-E
Department of Energy
Description
ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy) funds transformational energy research through focused programs addressing specific technical challenges. With awards typically $500K-$10M and programs like SUPERHOT (geothermal), CATALCHEM-E (chemistry acceleration), and SPARKS (exploratory research), ARPA-E invests over $400M annually in high-risk, high-reward energy innovations.
For ZHC builders, ARPA-E offers substantial non-dilutive funding for energy-related AI, automation, and deep tech innovations. The agency particularly values projects using machine learning, optimization algorithms, and automated systems to solve critical energy challenges. Unlike traditional grants, ARPA-E seeks breakthrough technologies with 10x improvements over existing solutions.
Eligibility
Program Structure
- Focused Programs - Specific technical challenges with defined metrics
- OPEN Program - Broad solicitation for any energy technology
- SBIR/STTR - Small business set-asides for each program
Target Technologies
- Grid optimization and AI-driven energy management
- Advanced materials discovery via machine learning
- Autonomous energy systems
- High-performance computing for energy modeling
- Sensor networks and data analytics
Eligibility Requirements
- All organizations - Universities, national labs, companies (any size)
- US-based work - Majority of research performed in US
- Cost share - Often 20% required for commercial entities
- Technical merit - Breakthrough potential with clear pathways
ZHC-Specific Fit
✅ Excellent for:
- AI/ML for energy optimization
- Automated testing and experimentation platforms
- Grid-scale energy management systems
- Materials discovery automation
- Sensor fusion and predictive analytics
❌ Poor fit if:
- Incremental improvements only
- No clear energy application
- Pure software with no physical system integration
Application Process
Application Timeline
| Step | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Program announcement | — | Published on ARPA-E eXCHANGE portal |
| Concept papers | 2-4 weeks | Optional pre-screening (when offered) |
| Full proposals | 4-8 weeks | Detailed technical and budget plans |
| Technical review | 3-4 months | Merit-based peer evaluation |
| Program review | 1-2 months | Agency leadership approval |
| Negotiations | 1-3 months | Contract terms and budget |
| Award | 6-12 months total | From submission to funding |
Current Active Programs (2026)
- SUPERHOT - Super-hot geothermal technologies (closes 3/5/2026)
- CATALCHEM-E - Catalyst testing automation (closes 2/25/2026)
- MAGNITO - Magnetic acceleration technologies
- GRADIENTS - Grid reliability and inertia systems
- SPARKS - Exploratory energy research (rolling)
Proposal Requirements
- Technical volume (15-20 pages)
- Budget and justification
- Team qualifications and facilities
- Commercialization/transition plan
- Letters of support (if applicable)
- Milestone-based performance metrics
Contact
- ARPA-E eXCHANGE - Funding portal
- ARPA-E Programs
- Email: ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (program questions)
- Email: ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (portal issues)
- Teaming Partner Lists - Find collaborators
- SAM.gov - Federal registration required