Chain Reaction Innovations 2027 laboratory-embedded entrepreneurship fellowship
Argonne National Laboratory’s Chain Reaction Innovations is accepting individual applications for its 2027 laboratory-embedded entrepreneurship cohort. The programme gives technically experienced, first-time founders a two-year setting to develop difficult energy and science-based technologies with laboratory researchers, facilities and business mentors. Applicants must be US citizens or lawful permanent residents, have at least five years of research and development experience, and relocate to the Chicago area if selected. The published package includes a stipend and healthcare benefits without Argonne or DOE taking startup equity. Participation nevertheless carries substantial residency, company-structure, research-agreement and intellectual-property obligations, and selection is competitive.
- Deadline
- 30 Oct 202617:00 America/Chicago
- Organisation
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Country
- United States
- Value
- Not disclosed in the notice

Opportunity Overview
Argonne National Laboratory’s Chain Reaction Innovations is accepting individual applications for its 2027 laboratory-embedded entrepreneurship cohort. The programme gives technically experienced, first-time founders a two-year setting to develop difficult energy and science-based technologies with laboratory researchers, facilities and business mentors. Applicants must be US citizens or lawful permanent residents, have at least five years of research and development experience, and relocate to the Chicago area if selected. The published package includes a stipend and healthcare benefits without Argonne or DOE taking startup equity. Participation nevertheless carries substantial residency, company-structure, research-agreement and intellectual-property obligations, and selection is competitive.
Why It Matters
- Laboratory access and protected development time can help a technical founder move a demanding innovation toward a pre-commercial prototype.
- Full commitment and in-residence work at Argonne; relocation to Chicago area. Non-negotiable CRADA and IP Management Plan; background rights and government rights apply.
Who Can Apply
Other conditions
- Individuals who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents; at least five years R&D; first-time technical founders; no more than USD2m private-sector funding at application. DOE-mission alignment and Argonne capability fit required. Existing startup must be US-incorporated; selected innovator must structure the business as a C Corporation.
Key Details
Published stipend USD 115,000 per year for two years plus healthcare benefits; fellowship and renewal subject to selection, eligibility and available funding. Argonne and DOE take no startup equity; this does not remove contractual IP obligations.
Key dates
- Application deadline
- 17:00 America/Chicago
How to Apply
- Use the 2027 ProposalSpace call linked by Argonne; register or sign in and complete the individual application under its instructions. Each team member applies individually; only one person per startup will be selected. Review solicitation, eligibility and CRADA before submission.
Important Considerations
- Application closes 30 October 2026, 17:00 Central Time.
- Competitive selection; federal site-access and conflict reviews may affect participation. IP rights and research agreements are not blanket ownership of laboratory inventions. Funding and fellowship continuation remain conditional.
Confirm current terms with the issuer before applying.
Source & verification
- Source
- chainreaction.anl.gov
- Last checked
- 19 Oct 2026
- Recorded check
- Official source record checked.
Source checks do not imply endorsement. Terms can change; confirm current requirements with the source.
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