I&I Partners

Partnerships are critical to the success of I&I. I&I partners include grantees, technology and inventor-related associations, DOE offices and federal agencies, state agencies, and private industry. The partners contribute to the success of I&I in a variety of ways. For example; grantees conceive and develop technologies; associations provide technical and strategic guidance; government agencies provide additional resources including financial assistance and outreach support; and industry members form alliances with grantees to adopt new energy-saving technologies. Several key I&I partners are described below:

Energy Innovations Small Grant Program - California Energy Commission: The Energy Innovations Small Grant (EISG) Program provides up to $75,000 to small businesses, non-profits, individuals and academic institutions to conduct research that establishes the feasibility of new, innovative energy concepts. Research projects must target one of the six Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program areas, address a California energy problem, and provide a potential benefit to California electric ratepayers. Up to four solicitations per year are planned. To encourage participation in the program, the application and award process has been simplified, and assistance is available in gaining access to technical experts. The EISG Program Web site features links to current solicitation notices.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO): In 1999, PTO established the Office of Independent Inventor Programs (OIIP). The Office provides independent inventors and entrepreneurs with a direct channel to the highest levels of the PTO.

National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO): For more than a decade, NASEO has served as energy's Washington voice - guiding regional, state, and federal government officials toward a deeper understanding of energy's pivotal role in the economy and environment, and informing them about the specific energy priorities and concerns of the states and territories. Affiliated with the National Governor's Association, NASEO members are officials from the State and Territory Energy Offices and affiliates from the private and public sectors. The nonprofit association was created by the governors to improve the effectiveness and quality of state energy programs and policies, and to be a collector and repository of energy-related information.

Association of State Energy Research and Technology Transfer Institutions (ASERTTI): ASERTTI was established in 1990 by state and regional organizations with energy research, development, and technology responsibilities. ASERTTI's goal is to increase the effectiveness of energy research efforts in contribution to economic growth, environmental quality, and energy security. ASERTTI does this by collaborating on research projects with state, federal, and private partners, and by sharing technical and operational information among members and associates.