Catalytic Application Testing For Accelerated Learning Chemistries Via High-Throughput Experimentation And Modeling Efficiently Sbir/STTR (Catalchem-E Sbir/STTR)
This grant provides funding to small businesses to accelerate the development of advanced catalytic technologies that support the transition to sustainable energy and reduce carbon emissions.
Description
The Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) has announced a funding opportunity for the CATALCHEM-E SBIR/STTR program, focusing on small businesses. This initiative aims to revolutionize the research and development cycle for heterogeneous catalysts by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and high-throughput experimentation (HTE). The program’s goal is to reduce the R&D timeline from 10–15 years to 12–18 months, significantly accelerating the development of advanced catalytic chemistries. These innovations will support ARPA-E’s objectives, including the transition to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The program will fund projects targeting the discovery and optimization of catalytic chemistries for next-generation feedstocks and products. Feedstocks include hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, waste plastics, and bio-intermediates, while target products include low-carbon monomers, sustainable aviation fuel, diesel, and syngas. The initiative underscores the use of cutting-edge technologies to modernize catalyst R&D and scale up novel workflows.
The total funding for the program is $35 million, with awards ranging from $2.5 million to $3.5 million. Up to 12 awards are expected. This funding opportunity is restricted to small businesses as defined in Section II.A of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Cost-sharing is required, and applicants must adhere to guidelines outlined in the NOFO. Applications must be submitted by December 17, 2024, at 9:30 AM Eastern Time through the appropriate platform. Eligibility requires registration with SAM.gov and compliance with federal standards.
Applications will be evaluated based on technical merit, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with ARPA-E’s strategic goals. Selected projects will be expected to demonstrate rapid advancements in catalysis and contribute to sustainable energy solutions.
Further details can be obtained by contacting ARPA-E or accessing the NOFO directly. This program represents a critical opportunity for small businesses to lead advancements in clean energy technologies and contribute to global sustainability efforts.