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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
AI-generated editorial illustration: Scientist assembling an electrochemical prototype in a laboratory.
AI-generated editorial illustration. Not the actual provider or premises.

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.
Open official applicationRead the official notice

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

Last checked
19 Oct 2026
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