Topics and Subtopics 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin reviewing the topic and subtopic pairs as soon as possible.  DOE releases topics typically twice a year, in July (Release 1), and November (Release 2).  Release 1 involves six participating DOE Research Programs in the Office of Science while Release 2 originates with generally more applied DOE Research Programs: 

The topic and subtopic pairs are developed by the various offices to contribute to DOE’s mission to “Ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.”  It is important that applicants understand the need or problem that the topic/subtopic pair is describing, as well as the underlying mission of the issuing program office.  If the topics document references any specific research studies or prior related work, applicants should make themselves familiar with these earlier works and determine if they can offer anything to further the studies or to complement them in any way.  To write a successful SBIR/STTR proposal, applicants must respond to the needs as outlined in the Topic/subtopic pair.  In addition to carefully reviewing the topics document, applicants are also advised to spend time reading about the Program Office of interest's mission and research.   

The Topics Document 

Finding the Right Fit for Your Technology

The U.S. Department of Energy offers SBIR and STTR funding through more than 60 topics and 250 subtopics, spanning research areas that support the DOE’s mission in Energy Production, Energy Use, Fundamental Energy Sciences, Environmental Management, and Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. Given the wide variety of topics and subtopics, it is essential that applicants find an opportunity that aligns with their idea, project, and capability rather than trying to force their interests into the topic parameters.  Applications undergo a first-step review by the Program Managers and/or technical experts who are familiar with the topics, subtopics, and aims of the sponsoring programs, and those that are not a good fit may be first-step declined without proceeding to the external technical review stage. Please see https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Funding-Opportunities for announcements and release dates of DOE topics.   

In addition to carefully reading the topic and subtopic announcements, as well as the Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), applicants should also read any literature or referenced cited in the topic descriptions to gain a deeper understanding of the topic, and review the information on the individual Program Office's web page to understand their priorities and mission.  Some topics have an Energy Justice component, where teaming with, training or benefitting a disadvantaged community is needed and applicants should be aware of this element and incorporate it into their application in those instances.

All topics and subtopics list a Topic Manager's name and email address. You are encouraged to reach out to the topic manager for questions of clarification. However, be aware that if the topic manager is on travel or/ on vacation - in some instances, you may not receive a response.

Remember that with SBIR and STTR awards, commercialization is the goal.  Small businesses who are seeking only to fund basic research and have no interests in commercialization should seek funding elsewhere.  A commercialization plan is required with every proposal and should demonstrate that applicants have considered the potential commercial application of their technology and how it will benefit the economy.  For more information about the commercialization plan, samples, and instructions, click here.