Innovation and Entrepreneurship News
Read the latest updates from NREL's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.
Dec. 22, 2020
NREL researchers and staff reached countless goals and achieved numerous successes in science, partnerships, and technology commercialization in 2020, from breaking world records to launching new initiatives. Here are just a few of the highlights.
Oct. 29, 2020
The DOE's researcher-entrepreneurship program forges ahead virtually under the leadership of Shelly Curtiss, former executive director of the Colorado Cleantech Industries Association.
Oct. 5, 2020
DOE announces winners of the Solar Prize Round 2, awarding another $1 million in prizes to solar innovators.
Sept. 24, 2020
Through a novel chemistry using nontoxic resources like linseed oil, waste grease, or even algae, chemist Phil Pienkos and colleague Tao Dong, an expert in chemical engineering, have developed a groundbreaking method for producing renewable polyurethane without toxic precursors.
July 7, 2020
Located in Jefferson County, Colorado, which is part of metropolitan Denver, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has seen its economic impact on the county climb by more than 218% during the seven-year span from fiscal year 2012 to fiscal 2019.
April 30, 2020
Today, the NREL recognized three top cleantech innovators as it wrapped up the 25th anniversary edition of the NREL Industry Growth Forum (IGF). This year's IGF was an all-virtual event held at a time when innovation in all forms is a national priority.
April 2, 2020
NREL announced the 11 winners of the DISCOVER Competition, the first stage of the Powering the Blue Economy: Ocean Observing Prize. Of the selected winners, 10 received $10,000 each, and one grand prizewinner received $25,000 to help accelerate the development of the marine energy sector.
March 20, 2020
In light of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, NREL has changed the format of the 2020 Industry Growth Forum to an entirely virtual event.
March 18, 2020
What does it take to grow the clean energy industry long-term? Former director Charlie Gay was there at the beginning – and is returning to keynote the IGF’s 25th forum. Check out the list of 40 new presenting companies, posted here.
March 3, 2020
More than 500 cleantech investors, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives are expected to attend this year's Industry Growth Forum, April 29-30, in Denver, Colorado. Among them will be 40 of the most promising start-up companies from the United States and countries around the world.