If you’re a tech or bioscience company at KU Innovation Park, here’s a funding opportunity you don’t want to miss.
The American-Made Challenges (AMC) program, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is actively seeking entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators across sectors to help drive solutions in energy, resilience and sustainability. With funding, mentorship, and visibility at stake, AMC is a powerful platform for getting support for groundbreaking ideas.
Why it matters: AMC aims to fast-track innovative ideas into commercially viable solutions. It connects American innovators with resources, funding and guidance to overcome barriers and develop impactful technology. Many challenges directly align with the work happening here at KU Innovation Park, making it an excellent fit for our startups focused on tech and bioscience solutions.
How it works:
- Challenge-Based Funding: Through AMC, participants can apply for specific funding challenges focused on issues like renewable energy, storage solutions, sustainable manufacturing and more.
- Competitive Rounds: AMC organizes these challenges into structured rounds, each focusing on a particular theme or sector. Applicants compete for substantial cash prizes and development grants.
- Support Network: Winners gain access to a network of mentors, labs and testing facilities nationwide—enabling rapid prototyping and scaling.
the power of opportunity
Some current challenges include:
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Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize: This prize seeks cost-effective energy storage concepts for industrial facilities that enhance energy efficiency and industrial decarbonization and are applicable across industrial sectors.
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Large Animal and Solar System Operations (LASSO) Prize: This prize is for teams that develop impactful projects to deepen our understanding of the co-location of solar photovoltaics (PV) and cattle grazing operations (cattle agrivoltaics).
- Open Voucher Call: Successful applicants will receive vouchers—valid for testing and validation, use of specialized equipment or software, simulation or modeling, consulting, or various other requests from a National Laboratory—which will ultimately allow them to advance their technologies
Why You Should Apply:
- Funding for Growth: Prizes often exceed $1 million, with support to help you scale.
- Industry Visibility: Success in an AMC competition positions your company at the forefront of the U.S. energy innovation landscape.
- Expanded Network: Collaborate with leading labs, mentors, and industry players to bring your idea to life.
What’s Next: Visit American-Made Challenges for details on upcoming opportunities, submission deadlines, and application requirements.
KU Innovation Park supports your journey. Contact our team if you’d like guidance or introductions as you explore these unique funding opportunities.