About our Network
You Belong Here
At American-Made, we are building an innovation engine to supercharge a revolution of bold ideas. As a Network that fosters ideas, we aim to bring people from all backgrounds together to create space for change and opportunities where everyone can thrive.
Whoever you are and whatever you aspire to do, you can help create technologies, solutions, and new pathways to accelerate the clean energy revolution. The good news? You’re not in it alone.
Leverage our Network of more than 250 organizations, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s 17 national labs, along with professionals from accelerators, incubators, universities, facilities, and industry. As the Network grows, so do our capabilities, diversity, reach, and impact. It’s your fast track to the opportunities and resources you need, exactly when you need them.
Join the Network
Building the Clean Energy Workforce of the Future
The American-Made Network includes more than 250 organizations available to connect with prize participants. And there are millions more with the passion, creativity, and drive to help advance the clean energy economy. All that is required for success is access to amazing connections, technical resources, and support to get them to the next level. That is where you come in.
Join us to help create new solutions, build new businesses, educate an inclusive workforce, or launch your next big (or little) idea. Bring your voice. Your background. Your roots. Your revolution.
Find Your Place in Our Network
We welcome all types of organizations to join us. This includes, government, universities, accelerators, incubators, manufacturers, and investors, to name a few. Learn how to be a part of the American-Made Network—our innovation engine.
Roles in the Network
Learn more about the crucial roles that make up the American-made Network
Connectors
Connectors are the cornerstones of the American-Made Network. These organizations support innovators to succeed in prize challenges and in the real world, providing them with the resources they need at any stage of competition. They are partners positioned to help provide program support, participant recruitment, event hosting, and more. Connectors gain access to novel innovators through the Network and can receive cash prizes for their support. They also have opportunities to connect with many organizations sharing the same mission.
Power Connectors
Power Connectors, utilized by some prize programs, are deeply involved with prize program execution, recruitment, and support. These organizations are contracted yearly to perform a variety of tasks for specific prizes that advance program successes—extending the reach and improving the diversity and inclusivity of the Network overall. Power Connectors may also assist with other innovative DOE programs based on program needs.
National Laboratories
With world-class facilities and researchers, DOE’s 17 national laboratories are a foundational part of the American-Made Network. Through the Network and the VELOCITI Voucher Program, connections are made between prize teams and research experts across the national lab system. Many prize programs use technical assistance vouchers as an additional bonus prize, enabling innovators to work directly with experts at lab facilities to advance, build, and test their technologies.
Mentors
Interested in providing support, but do not represent a company? Did you previously compete in a prize and are now interested in giving back to the American-Made community? You can join the Network as a mentor and provide support for challenges, much like Connectors. Mentors must submit a resume to be vetted. Once you are part of the Network, you are eligible for the same award funds as Connectors.
Innovators
As a prize participant and innovator, you have access to more than 250 organizations that are ready to assist you. Our network matching tool matches your needs with the experts who have those capabilities. The tool is a one-stop-shop to unmatched resources, in-demand training, and support from across the public and private sectors.
