WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) today announced a second installment of its successful $10 million early-career program. The Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy 2025 (IGNIITE 2025) program aims to use funding, networking-building, and mentorship to empower young scientists and engineers. The inaugural class of 23 early-career researchers was awarded earlier this year and supports projects advancing critical solutions in carbon-negative building materials, plastics, grid reliability, energy-efficiency, and more.

“Here at ARPA-E, we discover and develop unmapped energy advancements through a community of dreamers, doers, and disruptors,” said ARPA-E Director Evelyn N. Wang. “We designed IGNIITE to not just provide financial support for early career innovators, but to build a support ecosystem. Already, our IGNIITE 2024 cohort is forging strong bonds as they push the boundaries of science and catalyze America’s leadership in energy technologies.”

Early career researchers are at the forefront of innovation, making disproportionately important discoveries compared to their later-career counterparts. However, these researchers are often at a disadvantage from their more senior colleagues because they may not have the track record that funding agencies look for to reduce risk. 

The IGNIITE program ensures that early career researchers have the funding and support ecosystem necessary to advance American-made energy for all. Through IGNIITE, applicants may propose a project for up to $500,000 in support to forward any energy technology that addresses one or more of ARPA-E’s goals.

ARPA-E believes early career researchers should not have to face the obstacles associated with charting an impactful career in high-risk, high-reward research areas alone. Through engagement opportunities and dedicated mentorship, the IGNIITE program creates an enabling ecosystem of support for researchers to accelerate the most audacious energy ideas.

Visit the ARPA-E eXCHANGE website for more information about IGNIITE 2025, including key guidelines, and read the IGNIITE 2025 program description here.

ARPA-E advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies across a wide range of technical areas that are too early for private-sector investment. Learn more about these efforts and ARPA-E's commitment to ensuring the United States continues to lead the world in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies.

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