Innovation Crossroads Cohort 2027

Innovation Crossroads Cohort 2027 is a two-year, funded entrepreneurial fellowship hosted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) under the U.S. Department of Energy's Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program. The program supports early-stage innovators developing breakthrough technologies in energy, advanced manufacturing, and related scientific fields. Selected fellows gain access to national laboratory facilities, research funding, technical expertise, business mentorship, and entrepreneurial training to advance their technologies toward commercial readiness.

Application Window

• Applications Open: 15 September 2026, 08:00 Eastern Time
• Application Deadline: 30 October 2026, 20:00 Eastern Time (31 October 2026, 00:00 GMT+0)
• Program Start: August 2027

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Apply as individuals rather than companies or organizations.
• Hold a doctoral degree or possess equivalent professional experience.
• Develop technologies that leverage ORNL's research and development capabilities and align with the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy and/or Tennessee Valley Authority.
• Be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents at the time of application.
• Be willing to relocate to the Knoxville–Oak Ridge area for two years.
• Have raised no more than US$2 million in nongovernment debt or equity financing during the three years preceding the application.
• Successfully execute a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with ORNL.
• Disclose relevant background intellectual property rights when necessary to support the proposed research activities.

Funding and Program Benefits

Selected innovators may receive up to 24 months of support, subject to performance reviews and funding availability. Benefits include:

• Annual Living Stipend: US$115,000.
• Research Funding: Access to funding for collaborative research and development at ORNL.
• Health Insurance Support: A stipend to help cover health insurance expenses.
• Professional Development: Financial support for travel, training, education, and customer discovery activities.
• Laboratory Access: Use of ORNL's research facilities, scientific equipment, and technical expertise.
• Business Mentorship: Guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and commercialization specialists.
• Entrepreneurial Training: Support in business model development, financial literacy, investor readiness, and commercialization strategy.

Priority Technology Areas

Innovation Crossroads focuses on emerging technologies that can address complex scientific challenges and advance energy systems, advanced manufacturing, smart buildings, and industrial competitiveness. Areas of interest include:

• Advanced energy generation, nuclear energy, fusion, and geothermal technologies.
• Battery technologies, grid energy storage, and power management.
• Artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and data center energy technologies.
• Advanced manufacturing, industrial scale-up, and critical minerals processing.
• Biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
• Advanced transportation and next-generation building technologies.
• Cybersecurity, grid information security, and energy infrastructure.
• Advanced fuels, feedstocks, recycling, and water power technologies.

Other technologies aligned with the Department of Energy's mission may also be considered.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare a single PDF application of up to eight pages using the official application template. The submission should include:

• Basic applicant information and a summary of the proposed innovation.
• A clear problem statement and explanation of the proposed technology.
• Scientific feasibility, technology development plans, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Relevance to the missions of ORNL and program sponsors.
• Commercial potential, competitive advantages, and market opportunities.
• Expected timeline toward commercialization.
• Explanation of how ORNL's research capabilities will support the project.
• Personal motivation and professional résumé.

Selection Process and Timeline

The selection process consists of several stages:

1. November–December 2026: Written application review by program representatives and scientific and industry experts.
2. December 2026: Virtual prescreening interviews for candidates meeting the eligibility requirements.
3. January 2027: Virtual semifinal interviews with a review panel.
4. March 2027: In-person finalist interviews, presentations, and laboratory visits at ORNL.
5. May–June 2027: Final selection of Cohort 2027 fellows.
6. August 2027: Program commencement.

Program Duration and Renewal

Innovation Crossroads is structured as a two-year fellowship. Selected innovators initially receive a one-year fellowship, with the possibility of renewal for a second year following a performance review. Continued support is subject to satisfactory progress and funding availability. Participants are expected to reside in the Knoxville–Oak Ridge area and actively collaborate with ORNL researchers throughout the fellowship.

Innovation Crossroads Cohort 2027 offers early-stage technology entrepreneurs an opportunity to develop and commercialize research-intensive innovations with financial support, specialized laboratory infrastructure, and experienced business mentors. Eligible applicants should prepare a scientifically grounded proposal demonstrating commercial potential, alignment with ORNL's capabilities, and a clear technology development strategy. Applications must be submitted by 30 October 2026 at 20:00 Eastern Time, equivalent to 31 October 2026 at 00:00 GMT+0.