Argonne National Laboratory selects startups for Chain Reaction Innovations program

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory recently selected the second group of participants in Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI), a program that embeds postdoctoral researchers at the lab where they can work on developing their technologies.

The two-year program will allow participants to access the lab’s scientific expertise, facilities and mentorship to support them in developing their technologies, which focus on enhancing energy efficiency or sustainability and overcoming scientific challenges to improve quality of life.

Technologies in advanced manufacturing, smart grid, grid-level storage, graphene, water, electronics, and energy conversion were selected for the program.

“CRI will accelerate the development of sustainable and energy-efficient technologies and drives manufacturing growth by helping startups and innovators reduce development costs and risks,” CRI Director John Carlisle said.

The EERE Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) funds the program. CRI is also supported by area mentors from the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago and the Purdue Foundry at Purdue University. Participants receive up to $220,000 to spend on research and development and up to $110,000 annually in stipend, benefits and a travel allowance.

“We need entrepreneurs in cleantech to drive innovation, and we need a stronger connection between national laboratories and entrepreneurs to accelerate that,” AMO Director Rob Ivester said. “The more we as a nation drive technologies into applications that change manufacturing, the more we realize the direct benefits of that innovation through job creation, economic growth and global competitiveness.”

Applications for CRI’s third cohort will open in September 2018.