GetFundedUSA › Grants › R&D / Tech › Unlocking New Levels of Output and Capacity for Key Subsurface Resources SBIR/STTR (UNLOCK SBIR/STTR)
Unlocking New Levels of Output and Capacity for Key Subsurface Resources SBIR/STTR (UNLOCK SBIR/STTR)
R&D / Tech · Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy · Nationwide
UNLOCK SBIR/STTR is a federal R&D funding opportunity from ARPA-E, the Department of Energy's advanced research agency, aimed at small businesses developing technology related to subsurface resources like geothermal or critical minerals.
The available details don't specify exact eligibility requirements, so check the official source on DOE eXCHANGE to confirm whether your business qualifies for this SBIR/STTR opportunity.
The specific award amount isn't listed, and applications must be submitted through the DOE eXCHANGE portal, not grants.gov directly, before the November 20, 2026 deadline.
UNLOCK SBIR/STTR (DE-FOA-0003631) is a federal funding opportunity from the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), part of the U.S. Department of Energy. ARPA-E funds early-stage, transformational research and technology development aimed at advancing energy and environmental solutions that are too early or too risky for private investment but show strong potential for meaningful, catalytic impact.
This specific NOFO is organized under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which are designed to help small businesses conduct federally funded research and development with the potential for commercialization. The title suggests a focus on unlocking greater output and capacity from key subsurface resources, which likely relates to geothermal energy, critical minerals, or other subsurface extraction and resource technologies, though applicants should confirm the exact technical scope in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity.
The funding instrument is listed as a Cooperative Agreement or Grant, meaning this is non-dilutive funding that does not require repayment, though cooperative agreements can involve substantial federal involvement in the funded project. Award amounts, specific technical topics, and detailed eligibility criteria are not provided here and should be confirmed in the full NOFO document available through DOE eXCHANGE.
For a small business owner working in energy, geothermal, mining, or related subsurface technology fields, this program represents a potential source of federal R&D funding to advance innovative technology concepts toward commercialization. Because this is a competitive, technical federal funding opportunity, applicants should expect a rigorous application and review process. All application materials must be submitted through the DOE eXCHANGE portal; ARPA-E will not accept submissions through other channels.
Who qualifies
How to apply
1. Obtain the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) by visiting DOE eXCHANGE at https://exchange.energy.gov/.
2. Register for an account at https://exchange.energy.gov/Registration.aspx.
3. Prepare and submit all required application materials through DOE eXCHANGE; applications submitted through other means will not be reviewed.
4. For questions, consult the FAQ at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq or email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov. You can also view the listing at https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/364135.
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant or cooperative agreement, not a loan, so it does not need to be repaid.
Do I have to pay this money back?
No, funding under cooperative agreements and grants from ARPA-E does not require repayment.
How much money can I actually get?
The award amount is not specified in the available data; confirm funding levels in the full NOFO on DOE eXCHANGE.
Am I eligible for this program?
Specific eligibility details are not provided here; this is an SBIR/STTR opportunity typically open to small businesses, so confirm eligibility at the official source.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline listed is November 20, 2026, at 12:00 AM EST.
Where do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through DOE eXCHANGE at https://exchange.energy.gov/, not through grants.gov directly.
Is the money taxable?
Tax treatment is not specified in the available data; consult a tax professional or the official NOFO.
Is this program still open?
As of the listed deadline of November 20, 2026, the program appears open; confirm current status on DOE eXCHANGE.
What documents do I need to apply?
Required documents are not detailed here; refer to the full NOFO (DE-FOA-0003631) on DOE eXCHANGE for application requirements.
Does my state or industry qualify?
This is a federal program open to applicants in all states; industry focus appears related to subsurface resource technology, but confirm specifics in the NOFO.
Who runs this program?
It is run by the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), a division of the U.S. Department of Energy.
What type of funding instrument is used?
ARPA-E may issue funding as a Cooperative Agreement or a Grant under this NOFO.
Opportunity number: DE-FOA-0003631. Source: grants.gov Search2 API (checked 2026-10-25T04:16:05.886Z). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.