In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and a growing concern for environmental sustainability, the role of government in fostering innovation has become increasingly vital. Recognizing this, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) launched the American-Made program. This visionary initiative aims to propel the nation’s energy sector forward, advancing transformation, supporting entrepreneurs, and accelerating the development of cutting-edge clean energy technologies. In this blog post, the HBCU Clean Energy Initiative, a recent winner of phase one and two, delves into the purpose and results of the American-Made program and highlights its impact on the U.S. energy landscape.

The American-Made program, launched in 2017, is designed to address two crucial objectives. First, it aims to reduce America’s dependence on foreign energy sources, ensuring a secure and resilient future. Second, it seeks to bolster economic growth and job creation by supporting the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies. By focusing on advancing innovation, the program is transforming the energy sector, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, and benefiting both the environment and the economy. And the DOE is creating an ecosystem that encourages participation from a wide range of stakeholders. In addition to entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, non-profits, and industry experts are also invited to collaborate. Some of the benefits to participants include:

1. Funding Opportunities: The program provides funding opportunities from the DOE as well as through partners. Widely publicized, the DOE invites interested individuals and organizations to submit their proposals for innovative clean energy projects. Through financial support, the program encourages the development of groundbreaking technologies. And by highlighting successful projects and individuals, the program inspires others to participate and showcase the potential benefits of involvement.
2. Technical Assistance: The American-Made program offers technical assistance to participants, helping them overcome technological challenges and refining their clean energy innovations. This assistance can come from expertise from national laboratories, access to testing facilities, mentorship, and guidance on scaling up and commercializing their idea. The maturation of promising technologies is accelerating by providing critical support at different stages of development. Bridging the gap between research and commercialization enables innovative ideas to reach the market more quickly, fostering job creation and economic growth.
3. Collaboration and Networking: The program actively promotes collaboration and networking among participants, fostering connections between entrepreneurs, researchers, industry representatives, and government agencies. The DOE sponsors workshops, conferences, and online platforms, to allow for knowledge-sharing and partnership opportunities. 
4. Outreach and Communication: The American-Made program engages in extensive outreach and communication efforts to raise awareness and attract participants. It utilizes various channels, such as websites, social media, newsletters, and targeted outreach to industry associations, universities, and research institutions. Effectively communicating the program’s objectives, benefits, and available opportunities, increases visibility and encourages participation from diverse stakeholders.
5. Partnerships and Alliances: The program enables collaboration with various partners, including other federal agencies, national laboratories, industry associations, and non-profits. These partnerships help expand the program’s reach, attract participants from different sectors, and leverage additional resources and expertise, creating a broader ecosystem of support.

An example of one of the many initiatives the DOE program supports is the Community Clean Energy Coalition prize. This competition encourages non-profits, city governments, school systems, and other community organizations to come together to address a local clean energy opportunity or inequity to align with the goals of the Justice 40 Initiative. The HBCU Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) is honored to have been one of the winners of both Phase One and Phase Two of the challenge. CEI will begin implementing its plan to train up to 50 students and community residents in energy disciplines, including HBCU students from South Carolina State University, Claflin University, Denmark Technical College, and Dillard University. And CEI will continue to complete in Phase Three of the competition. 

In conclusion, the American-Made program employs a multi-faceted approach to encourage participation. By providing funding opportunities, technical assistance, and fostering collaboration, the program creates a vibrant ecosystem that attracts diverse, talented participants who will help drive the future of clean energy.

To find out more about how the HBCU CDAC Clean Energy Initiative is bringing clean energy to HBCUs and their surrounding communities, click here.

To read more CDAC Clean Energy Initiative blogs, click here.