Highlights

• DOE's Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office announces $12.5M funding to accelerate circular supply chain innovations
• The initiative aims to transform industrial competitiveness by developing analytical frameworks for material and product circularity.
• The program will foster cross-industry collaboration and identify pathways to scale emerging sustainable technology solutions.

The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) (opens in a new tab) has announced (opens in a new tab) a new $12.5M funding opportunity to accelerate the development of circular supply chains that increase industrial competitiveness and supply resiliency through hashtag#innovation (opens in a new tab). We’re looking to partner with teams focused on developing analytical frameworks to identify high-impact opportunities for innovations in material and product circularity. Concept papers are due on March 31.

The Circular Supply Chains Accelerator will conduct system-level analyses, foster collaboration across industries, and expand the impact of innovations from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). By addressing technical and non-technical factors that affect the adoption of circular technologies, the program will identify pathways to scale emerging solutions and connect stakeholders across industries to advance shared goals.

"This initiative is pivotal in transitioning our economy from a linear to a more sustainable model," said AMMTO Director Chris Saldaña. The accelerator will catalyze innovation and foster partnerships to tackle challenges in critical materials like batteries, electrolyzers, and composites.

The effort builds on AMMTO's Circularity for Secure and Sustainable Products and Materials: A Draft Strategic Framework, which emphasizes the need for comprehensive analysis and strong networks to bring R&D innovations to a commercial scale. The initiative will work closely with existing DOE and EERE programs, such as ReCell (battery recycling) and H2CIRC (electrolyzer circularity), to leverage synergies and accelerate technological progress.

The funding opportunity invites stakeholders to form teams and submit concept papers by March 31, 2025, with full applications due by July 18, 2025. Selected projects will receive support for three to five years, subject to future Congressional appropriations. Interested organizations can join the Teaming Partner List to collaborate on proposals.

This initiative reflects DOE’s commitment to building a competitive, sustainable manufacturing sector while addressing global environmental challenges. For more details, visit the EERE Exchange platform or contact the program directly.