October 2, 2017 High Efficiency Hybrid Systems: Exploring New Ways to Move with Drs. Chris Atkinson and Grigorii Soloveichik Drs. Atkinson and Soloveichik discuss their backgrounds, why they came to ARPA-E, and how a new approach to powertrains could boost transportation efficiency.    1. Tell us a little about your backgrounds. How does your previous experience provide insight into your work at ARPA-E? Chris: My position at ARPA-E represents a third career for me—over the past 26 years, I have been an academic, a consultant and now a Program Director at ARPA-E. I…

August 16, 2017 Safe, Secure, and Affordable: Redesigning Nuclear Power Behind the Scenes with Drs. Rachel Slaybaugh and JC Zhao Drs. Slaybaugh and Zhao discuss their backgrounds, why they came to ARPA-E, and how novel plant designs could transform nuclear power for the 21st century. Dr. Rachel Slaybauch and Dr. JC Zhao at the 2017 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit 1. Tell us a little about your backgrounds. How does your previous experience provide insight into your work at ARPA-E? Rachel: I’ve been working in nuclear engineering for almost 15 years. I’m currently splitting…

July 19, 2017 Better Together: Fuel Cell & Engine Hybrid Systems Behind the Scenes with Dr. David Tew, Program Director at ARPA-E Dr. David Tew discusses his background, why he came to ARPA-E, and what it's like to work on a new technical area. Dr. David Tew delivering his Fast Pitch entitled "Better Together: Fuel Cell & Engine Hybrid Systems" at the 2017 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit.  1. Tell us a little about your background. How does your previous experience provide insight into your work at ARPA-E? I joined ARPA-E after a nearly 20-year career at…

Americans use a lot of energy to move themselves and their stuff. Over one quarter of all the energy consumed in the United States goes directly to transportation, equivalent to about 4.8 billion barrels of oil per year. Of course, where there is lots of energy being used, there are opportunities to make big improvements.  Many ARPA-E programs seek to boost transportation efficiency and diversify energy sources—through better fuels, new batteries, or high-powered electronics. Moreover, increasingly available connected and automated vehicles (CAV) present incredible opportunities to…

May 22, 2017 At ARPA-E, we’re committed to identifying and advancing transformational technologies that can fundamentally change the way we generate, store, and use energy. We focus on guiding a broad portfolio of early-stage energy technologies on a path toward the marketplace. Our wide-ranging portfolio demands that we engage a diverse group of potential customers – from vehicle manufacturers and electric utilities to semiconductor manufacturers and the U.S. military.  On Saturday, we celebrated Armed Forces Day to recognize the extraordinary men and women who serve in our nation…

April 28, 2017  This month, ARPA-E turns eight. To mark the occasion, we’re sitting down with ARPA-E’s Deputy Director for Commercialization, David Henshall, to chat about the lessons he and his team have learned while guiding early-stage energy technologies on a path toward the marketplace.  1. How does ARPA-E identify and then support early-stage technologies?  Energy is essential to our economy, global competitiveness, and quality of life, and early stage energy technology development is a critical component of the innovation pipeline. The National Academy of…

Three weeks ago, nearly 2,000 energy innovators, investors, and policymakers gathered at the eighth annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit to discuss cutting-edge energy technologies and the future of energy innovation. During the three-day program, attendees from across the U.S. and 25 other countries heard from industry and government leaders, networked at focused receptions and panel discussions, and saw first-hand more than 280 technologies featured in ARPA-E’s Technology Showcase.  Highlights from the 2017 ARPA-E Summit include: • 15 mainstage speakers, including U.S.…

At the 2016 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit, the Technology Showcase featured more than 280 breakthrough energy technologies – ranging from solar powered motorcycles (with a top speed of 70 mph!) to self-piloting drones designed to detect methane leaks from natural gas facilities.  This year’s Technology Showcase promises to be a hit again. Now organized by tech area (e.g. building efficiency, grid storage, etc.) the Showcase floor will be an ideal avenue to network with energy entrepreneurs and investors. Attendees will be able to view and learn about nearly 300 advanced energy…

The 2017 ARPA-E Summit app is a great tool to enhance your Summit experience. The app will provide the most up-to-date agenda with real-time updates and notifications, as well as speaker biographies, panel descriptions, Showcase participant profiles, and more!  Use the Summit app to easily connect and network with other attendees, exhibitors, and partners; download contact information from the connections you make at the Summit.  Here are three app features that will help you maximize your time at the Summit:  1. My Schedule: Use this feature to add agenda…

With more than 2,000 attendees, 270+ cutting-edge technology exhibits, and a wide variety of educational sessions, navigating the 2017 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit can be a challenge. Keep reading for tips on how to maximize your time at the 2017 Summit and get the most out of this event based on your interests and goals.   Tips for Creating Your Conference Schedule and Choosing Panel Sessions:  This year’s Summit will feature a multitude of breakout sessions with distinguished panelists discussing a wide variety of energy topics. Each panel has a distinct focus, making it…