On July 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $52 million to small businesses across 39 states through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These initiatives aim to convert DOE-supported scientific and technological advancements into marketable products and services, propelling the nation towards a clean energy economy. Notably, the DOE’s Building Technologies Office (BTO) is allocating over $3 million to 15 projects within this funding, emphasizing Phase I research and development.
BTO’s projects focus on enhancing building decarbonization through innovative solutions in windows, thermal energy storage, air leakage detection, insulation, solid-state lighting, and heat pumps. Each selected small business will explore the technical feasibility of their proposed innovations, with successful projects advancing to Phase II for prototype development. The average Phase I award is $200,000, supporting research efforts over 6 to 12 months.
Highlighted projects in BTO’s portfolio include:
1. Windows:
– AeroShield Materials (MA): Developing aerogel-insulated glass units to significantly improve window performance.
– GuRu Wireless Inc. (CA): Creating wireless power technology for electrochromic window retrofits.
– Mackinac Technology Company (MI): Innovating rubber-based secondary glazing solutions for existing windows.
– V-Glass Inc. (WI): Validating affordable, high-performance vacuum-insulated glass manufacturing.
2. Thermal Energy Storage:
– IBACOS Inc. (PA): Designing modular ducts with integrated thermal energy storage for scalable and cost-effective building solutions.
3. Air Leakage Detection and Sealing:
– Signetron Inc. (CA): Developing automated robots for air sealing and insulating attics and basements, enhancing retrofit efficiency.
4. Insulation:
– CleanFiber Inc. (NY): Creating low-carbon, high-performance rigid insulation boards to reduce energy consumption and embodied carbon.
5. Solid-State Lighting:
– SVV Technology Innovations Inc. (CA): Innovating LED troffers and lighting sheets for enhanced commercial building lighting.
– Uviquity (NC): Developing a compact, efficient germicidal UV light source for indoor air quality improvement.
6. Heat Pumps and Water Heaters:
– Aris Hydronics Inc. (OR): Integrating heat pump technologies for multi-apartment buildings.
– EcoSnap LLC (CO): Designing easy-install, ductless heat pumps and integrating them with existing heating appliances.
– RookStack LLC (IN): Advancing AI solutions for optimized residential HVAC system sizing.
– Zero Home Corporation (CO): Enhancing software for comprehensive home energy audits and heat pump adoption.
These innovative projects reflect DOE’s commitment to fostering small business growth while advancing the clean energy sector. For more information on the SBIR and STTR programs and the complete list of projects, visit the DOE’s website.