Back to programs

DOE Boost

DOE Boost is an 18-week startup studio, led by Sandia National Laboratories and powered by FedTech, that matches entrepreneurs with technologies developed in U.S. Department of Energy laboratories to address energy challenges affecting American communities.

Duration

18 weeks

Format
Virtual
Sector Focus
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
AI and Machine Learning
Energy and Sustainability
Registration closed
Apply now

<div anchor>Program Highlights</div> Program Highlights

  • Access to DOE Lab technologies, investors, and ecosystem partners
  • Virtual programming with an opportunity to pitch to industry stakeholders at the Showcase event
  • No equity taken
  • Free to participate, no hidden costs
  • Extensive, curated networking opportunities
  • Top-performing DOE Boost teams are eligible to receive a share of $100,000 in awards at the end of the program.

2026 Technology Verticals

  • Advanced Energy Production and Resource Security
  • Advanced Materials
  • Advanced Nuclear and Domestic Energy Resources
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Geothermal Energy
  • Grid Modernization and Resilience

2026 Regional Focus Areas

This year’s cohort will focus on energy challenges sourced from communities in Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

Who Should Apply?

Boost supports multiple pathways to company creation and technology commercialization:

Existing Companies
Startups or established teams seeking to license DOE lab technology to expand capabilities or pursue new market opportunities.

Founder Teams
Small teams (2-3 individuals) ready to build and scale a venture around breakthrough energy innovation.

Solo Entrepreneurs
Individuals looking to partner with technical and business collaborators to launch a venture around breakthrough energy innovation.

The DOE Boost partnership between Sandia National Laboratories and FedTech was forged out of a passion for addressing current energy challenges through the commercialization of promising technologies. By working together to use lab-created technologies and launching ventures with them, DOE Boost is building an innovation ecosystem for economic and climate benefits that will last for years to come.

Visit the DOE Boost website to learn more.

The DOE Boost Platform is funded by the Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF), administered by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC).

Featured Events

Partners

Startups
Visionary Founders