Organisation Name:
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Application Deadline:
1st December 2026
About Organisation
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a federal government agency responsible for advancing America’s energy, science, technology, and national security priorities. Through research and funding programmes, DOE supports innovation in energy technologies, manufacturing, critical minerals, and sustainable resource development. The Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) division focuses on strengthening domestic critical mineral supply chains and accelerating innovative technologies. Through initiatives such as the ASPECT funding opportunity, DOE supports research, development, scale-up, and pre-pilot testing of emerging chemical technologies. Its programmes provide opportunities for businesses, researchers, universities, nonprofits, and eligible government entities working on advanced energy and manufacturing solutions.
About the Grant
The ASPECT funding opportunity supports research, development, scale-up, and pre-pilot testing of emerging chemical technologies that use alternative and waste feedstocks. The programme aims to strengthen U.S. critical mineral supply chains while advancing next-generation energy technology and manufacturing. It covers projects ranging from early-stage research and bench-scale development to pre-pilot testing and integrated pre-pilot facilities. The programme has an estimated $58 million available, with individual awards expected to range from $2 million to $20 million. This opportunity is particularly relevant to organisations developing innovative chemical processes, waste-to-value technologies, critical mineral solutions, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants for the ASPECT funding opportunity include a broad range of organisations. These include for-profit organisations other than small businesses, small businesses, nonprofit organisations, higher education institutions, local governments, state governments, tribal governments and organisations, public housing authorities, and independent school districts. Other entities may also be eligible as specified in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity. Applicants should propose technologies involving alternative or waste feedstocks and demonstrate their potential to advance chemical technology development, critical mineral supply chains, energy technology, or manufacturing. Organisations should also meet the applicable technical, organisational, and programme-specific requirements outlined in the complete funding announcement
How to Apply?
Applicants should identify the ASPECT topic and subtopic that best matches their technology’s development stage. Proposals should explain the chemical technology, alternative or waste feedstock, technical challenge, current technology maturity, planned research and development, and pathway toward bench or pre-pilot scale. Applicants should also demonstrate potential contributions to domestic critical mineral supply chains, energy technology, or manufacturing. Review the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity for submission procedures and detailed requirements.
Application Deadline
The ASPECT funding opportunity has an application deadline of 1 December 2026.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
