Department of Energy (DOE) Opens $10M "Genesis Mission" SBIR/STTR Phase I Opportunity
The Department of Energy's Office of Technology Commercialization has launched the inaugural Phase I SBIR/STTR solicitation for its new Genesis Mission, a consolidated commercialization program developed in partnership with ConnectWerx. DOE anticipates making approximately 40 Phase I awards totaling $10 million, with as much as $44 million in cumulative funding available throughout the projects' lifecycles.
The Genesis Mission aims to fund small businesses applying artificial intelligence to accelerate breakthroughs in biotechnology, quantum computing and networking, AI-driven materials design, and autonomous AI-powered laboratories. These innovations are intended to advance U.S. energy dominance, accelerate scientific discovery, and strengthen national security.
New DOE Application process: Similar to the NSF Project Pitch model, the Genesis Mission uses a two-stage application process. Applicants first submit a pitch of up to 900 words by answering four open-text questions that serve as a brief elevator pitch. Submissions will be accepted through DOE's Acquisition Management Portal (AMP), which is expected to open later in August. Applicants whose pitches are selected will then be invited to submit a full Phase I proposal.
Key dates:
● Late August: AMP portal opens; two virtual Office Hours sessions held
● September 10, 2026, 12:00 PM MT: Pitch submissions due (no late submissions)
Pitches are scored on mission alignment, technical promise, commercialization potential, and team qualifications.
Get started:
● Hub
● Apply
If your Utah small business intends to apply or you have questions about these funding opportunities, please contact Nucleus Grow at grow@nucleusutah.org.