Mark your calendars: On Dec. 13, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs will issue its “Phase 1 - Release 2” funding opportunity announcement (FOA). In this release, the Geothermal Technologies Office is soliciting applications from small businesses to develop equitable and inclusive innovative technology solutions for current and future energy challenges and needs. Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to:  

• Development of effective strategies and products for communicating the benefits of geothermal heating and cooling solutions to communities.  
• Innovative solutions for linking geothermal heating and cooling experts to rural and remote communities without a local workforce or the resources to bring in an expert from outside their region. 
• Training materials and curricula for HVAC installers’ professional development on geothermal heating/cooling installation and its benefits. 
• Software to help communities apply to DOE opportunities, collect information, and generate applications and submission packets.  

Learn more about the topics in Release 2. 

The SBIR and STTR programs offer competitively awarded grants to small businesses to support scientific excellence and technological innovation. These programs, administered by Office of Science, engage with diverse small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop innovative and cutting-edge technologies to help accelerate to a clean energy future. DOE recognizes the important role small businesses play in driving innovative research and technology development.  

Letters of intent are due by Jan. 3, 2022, and applications are due by Feb. 22, 2022. A FOA webinar will be held on Dec. 17. For more information about the webinar and funding opportunity, visit the SBIR/STTR programs website.