Programs
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center develops technology incubation programs and customized solutions for public and private partners to bolster innovation, solve complex challenges, and de-risk solutions.
Our proven, flexible model adapts to specific partner needs and objectives while leveraging the world-class facilities and expertise of NLR and our partners.
Accelerate Powered by ExxonMobil and NLR
Accelerate connects promising U.S. innovators with the technical expertise of ExxonMobil and NLR to develop and reduce risk in advanced materials technologies.
Who's eligible: U.S. organizations with a working technology prototype at Technology Readiness Level 4 or above
Next cohort: Future cohort deadlines forthcoming
Get in touch: Accelerate@nlr.gov
Chevron Studio
Chevron Studio links entrepreneurs with national laboratories and universities to scale up and commercialize innovative, early-stage technologies.
Who's eligible: U.S.-based entrepreneurs interested in starting a new company around Chevron-curated intellectual property
Next cohort: Cohort 10 applications open spring 2027
Get in touch: ChevronStudio@nlr.gov
Energy I-Corps
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Technology Commercialization, Energy I-Corps is an entrepreneurial business training program for national laboratory research teams with market-ready technologies.
Who's eligible: Research teams from a DOE national laboratory, plant, or site with a commercially relevant technology
Next cohort: 2027 cohort details are forthcoming
Get in touch: EnergyICorps@hq.doe.gov
Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NLR
The Shell Gamechanger Accelerator™ Powered by NLR (GCxN) provides startups with access to NLR's research and facilities, along with the incubation expertise of the Shell GameChanger program.
Who's eligible: NLR channel partners refer applicants based on each cohort theme
Next cohort: Cohort 10 applications open spring 2027
Get in touch: GCxN@nlr.gov
Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator
The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) accelerates real-world implementation and scaling of technologies by supporting startups to validate, refine, and advance their solutions at NLR while helping corporations and municipalities adopt impactful technologies.
Who's eligible: NLR channel partners refer applicants in two areas: emerging technology or scalable technology
Next cohort: Application deadline details forthcoming
Get in touch: IN2@nlr.gov
West Gate
West Gate—a DOE Office of Technology Commercialization Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program—supports promising innovators as they transform technology concepts into startups that are primed for growth. Selected innovators are equipped with funding, entrepreneurial training, and technical assistance to speed their commercialization efforts.
Who's eligible: Novice startup founders with Technology Readiness Levels of 3 or above who are willing to relocate to Colorado
Next cohort: Apply to cohort 6 by Oct. 30
Get in touch: WestGate@nlr.gov
Canadian Technology Assistance Program
Startups participating in the Canadian Technology Assistance Program present their technologies to NLR researchers and receive feedback and support.
Who's eligible: Canada-based startup staff working in relevant energy technology areas
Next cohort: Applications details forthcoming
Get in touch: Katie.Woslager@nlr.gov
NLR Technical Assistance Program
NLR's Technical Assistance Program connects startups with NLR's scientists, engineers, and facilities to answer specific technology questions.
Who's eligible: Startups or small businesses in the United States or owned by a U.S. individual/entity
Next cohort: Startup company referrals accepted anytime
Get in touch: Catherine.Dolezal@nlr.gov
American-Made Challenges
NLR's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center assists with the American-Made Challenges to accelerate the U.S. energy industry. This competition offers awards for numerous energy innovation technologies.
Visit the American-Made website for more details.
Share
Last Updated Oct. 29, 2026