MAKE IT Prize Round 2
The Manufacture of Advanced Key Energy Infrastructure Technologies (MAKE IT) Prize aims to catalyze the domestic manufacturing of critical energy technology components, moving manufacturing facilities for these components from planning to shovel-ready.
Prize Overview
The energy sector is rapidly evolving to meet the growing demand for reliable energy, which creates an opportunity to invest in domestic manufacturing and strengthen our nation’s energy supply chains. Resilient, secure, and robust supply chains and domestic manufacturing capabilities will help maximize the benefits of federal investments in critical energy technologies and provide economic opportunity for all Americans. To achieve these goals, the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a second iteration of the MAKE IT Prize – MAKE IT Prize Round 2 – offering approximately $32 million in cash prizes.
Structure of the prize:
- Statement of Intent – Teams submit a short Statement of Intent document to propose their team and project, ensuring that their intended technology type is eligible for MAKE IT Round 2.
- Phase 1: Scope – Competitors deemed eligible will develop a comprehensive, credible plan to establish a critical energy technology manufacturing facility, including technology and business validation. Approximately 19 Phase 1 winners will be awarded $500,000 each
- Phase 2: Shovel-Ready – Teams will demonstrate they are shovel-ready to build or repurpose a manufacturing facility for specific critical energy components, including control of a site, permitting, financing, partnership commitments, and community engagement. Approximately five Phase 2 winners will be awarded $4,500,000 each.
This is the second round of funding through the MAKE IT Prize, building on the success of the original multi-track MAKE IT Prize which awarded more than $32 million towards energy tech manufacturing.
Read the official MAKE IT Prize Round 2 rules to learn more about requirements and eligibility. Follow the prize for exciting updates and important deadline reminders.
Prize Partners
MAKE IT Prize Round 2 was developed by the Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions in partnership with the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. The prize is administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory through the American-Made program.
Prize Timeline
View the official prize timeline for the most current dates and deadlines. All dates are approximate and subject to change, including challenge openings, deadlines, and announcements.
Connecting Competitors to the American-Made Network
The American-Made Network provides support to MAKE IT Prize competitors throughout the competition and is composed of national labs, incubators, investors, facilities, and seasoned industry mentors. The American-Made Network strengthens and scales the critical connections needed to grow new businesses, develop solutions, and sustain American innovation.
Who Can Compete?
MAKE IT Prize Round 2 invites U.S.-based entities with demonstrated capabilities and commitment to domestic manufacturing to submit plans for establishing manufacturing facilities for specific critical energy technology components and/or processes.
Please note that not all components within each category are eligible for submission. Please see Appendix B within the official rules document for full guidelines on component eligibility. Submissions related to other technology components or for other applications will not be deemed eligible to compete. For full eligibility requirements, please read the official prize rules.