Funding Available for Biobased Products and Bioenergy Through the I&I and NICE3 Solicitations

May 2, 2002

The Inventions and Innovation (I&I) and National Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics (NICE3) solicitations offer funding to energy-saving technologies that are aligned with the Visions and Roadmaps developed through the Office of Industrial Technologies, such as the Plant/Crop-Based Renewable Resources 2020, developed for the Agriculture Industry of the Future, Biobased Products program. Applications relating to the overall Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Biofuels, Biopower and other programs are also accepted.

The I&I program funds energy-saving technologies in the conceptual (category 1) and developmental (category 2) stages as defined at http://www.oit.doe.gov/inventions/solicitations/stages.shtml . Inventions may include technologies that will contribute to cost-effective and energy-efficient biobased products, biofuels, and biopower as well as improved agricultural production systems. Individual inventors and very small businesses (15 or fewer employees) are especially encouraged to participate. The solicitation is available at http://www.golden.doe.gov/businessopportunities.html under solicitation number DE-PS36-02GO92008.

Solicitation Open: April 29, 2002

Soliciation Closed: June 28, 2002

Approximate Funding Available: $1.7 million

The NICE3 program provides cost-shared (50%) funding for state and industry partnerships that develop and demonstrate advances in energy efficiency and clean production technologies. Industry applicants must sumbit proposals through a state energy, pollution prevention, or business development office. Proposals products, biofuels, and biopower, including the production/collection of biomass feedstock. The solicitation is available at http://www.golden.doe.gov/businessopportunites.html under solicitation number DE-PS36-02GO92009.

Solicitation Open: May 1, 2002

Solicitation Closed: June 28, 2002

Approximate Funding Available: $2.0 million