AEIN Newsletter: October 2023

💡 LATEST AT AEIN

A Modern Framework for Energy Technology Maturity: Four Key Risks

In a recent blog, BPC summarized some common frameworks that are used to describe technology maturity and proposes a new framework based on risk. A shared language for technology commercialization is key to translate between public and private sector funding opportunities.

A Founder’s Guide to Winning Non-dilutive Funding with Elemental Excelerator

AEIN member Elemental Excelerator was recently featured in a CTVC explainer on government grants. This helpful guide walks through federal funding timelines, terminology to know, and breaks down what funding is available from recently passed bills like the Inflation Reduction Act.

Stay Connected to AEIN members on LinkedIn

Stay connected with other AEIN members by joining the AEIN LinkedIn Group! You can use this group to share relevant news, meet other entrepreneurs interested in U.S. federal policy, and highlight interesting opportunities to the network.

📝 POLICY UPDATES

Appropriations and a Looming Government Shutdown

Congress is back from August recess and in full swing. In the eleventh hour, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through November 17, narrowly avoiding government shutdown. We expect to see a continued focus from Members of Congress on passing appropriations bills to fully fund the government before the CR expires. Other “must pass” bills like the Farm Bill and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) won’t move until the funding issue is resolved.

DOE is Set to Improve its SBIR and STTR Programs

In July, the Energy Department’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs announced some exciting new changes that align with AEIN’s recommendations to help this important program achieve its full potential. This includes support for underrepresented entrepreneurs, an investor pitch program, and more.

OMB Issues Final Guidance on Made in America Provisions

Last month, the Office of Management and Budget issued final guidance on “Buy American” requirements for all infrastructure projects that use federal financial assistance. The final guidance requires preferences for American-made steel and iron products, manufactured products, and construction materials.

IRS Releases Interim Sec. 174 R&D Tax Deduction Guidance

Earlier this month, the IRS released interim guidance on how businesses should follow amortization of specified research and experimental expenditures for the Sec. 174 R&D tax deduction. The main takeaway is that the companies should use this interim guidance until full guidance is released for the 2024 tax year. Additional summaries of the interim guidance from KPMG and Ernst and Young may also be helpful.

📆 UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

(Virtual) AEIN Discussion Series: Manufacturing for Startups

Join us for a discussion on October 17th from 3:30-5 p.m. ET about manufacturing for startups and challenges faced by startups scaling up production and building out manufacturing capacity. This discussion is part of a series of planned discussions aimed at driving AEIN’s policy agenda.

Submissions Open for DOE’s New Voucher Program

The submission window is now open for DOE’s new Voucher Program, which can be used to access test-bed performance validation capabilities, industry certification testing, technical and business maturation services, siting/permitting support, and other commercialization assistance. The final deadline for voucher recipients is November 7.

CEBN Cleantech Funding Database

AEIN member Clean Energy Business Network (CEBN)’s cleantech funding database highlights sources of funding and ecosystem support for early-stage clean energy companies across technologies and services. Set up an email subscription to have new opportunities delivered straight to your inbox.

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For more content, events, and information on BPC’s American Energy Innovators Network, visit our website or contact us at [email protected].