The "IGNIITE 2025" Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), provided by the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), focuses on empowering early-career innovators to develop disruptive technologies across the full spectrum of energy applications. The program aims to convert innovative, unconventional ideas into transformative energy technologies, thus addressing urgent energy-related challenges while ensuring U.S. leadership in advanced energy technologies.

With a total budget of $10 million, the program seeks to issue multiple awards, each potentially up to $500,000. The target audience includes early-career scientists and engineers, particularly those who have graduated with a Ph.D. within the past eight years. Applicants are expected to propose ambitious R&D projects, demonstrating clear pathways to commercializing novel energy technologies. Awards are for 24-month projects, and selected participants will attend mandatory IGNIITE Summer Programs in Washington, D.C., offering mentorship and training in areas like technology transfer, proposal writing, and public speaking.

Eligible applicants are primarily U.S.-based for-profit organizations, educational institutions, DOE national labs, and nonprofit organizations. Proposals must demonstrate the potential for high-impact, transformative advancements in energy technology, whether through improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, or enhancing the resilience and security of energy infrastructure. Special attention will be given to projects that significantly contribute to U.S. energy security and technological leadership.

Applications must be submitted in two stages: a Concept Paper followed by a Full Application for invited participants. Concept Papers should include technical content (maximum four pages), a two-page Personal Qualification Summary, and supporting documents such as transcripts and a letter of support. Full Applications will require a detailed technical volume, budget justification, and additional documentation. The deadline for Concept Papers is November 15, 2024, and applicants invited to submit Full Applications will be notified by January 27, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed based on the impact of the proposed technology, overall scientific and technical merit, the qualifications of the principal investigator, and the soundness of the project management plan. ARPA-E encourages proposals that align with its mission, including reducing U.S. dependence on foreign energy and promoting technological competitiveness. Special consideration will also be given to proposals that engage with economically distressed areas or align with "Buy America" provisions, ensuring U.S.-based production of any resulting technologies.

For award recipients, ARPA-E will monitor project progress and may require participants to engage in outreach activities to further the development and deployment of their technologies. Special reporting and compliance measures are mandated, including intellectual property management and compliance with U.S. competitiveness provisions, requiring that resulting technologies be substantially manufactured in the U.S.

This opportunity reflects ARPA-E's commitment to fostering groundbreaking research that addresses critical energy challenges while promoting technological innovation and economic growth in the U.S.