Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI), the entrepreneurship program at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, is looking for scientists and engineers to join its next cohort. Applications open on Sept. 9 and close at 5 p.m. CT on Nov. 7, 2025.
Ideal candidates are focused on early-stage science and energy technologies. They do not need to have an incorporated startup yet but if they do, it must be incorporated in the U.S. and cannot have raised more than $2M in private sector funding at the time of application. If this sounds like you – we hope you will apply!
Chosen candidates will move to Chicago for two years to embed at Argonne, advancing their technology by working with an Argonne scientist. CRI innovators must be either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents at the time of application.
Program Highlights
- Two-year fellowship includes $115k stipend
- Healthcare benefits with family option
- Travel allowance up to $12k per year plus moving expenses
- Research funding for technical work
- Connection to technical experts, researchers, facilities and unique capabilities at Argonne National Laboratory
- Networking with business experts, investors, mentors, and corporate partners
- Neither DOE nor Argonne take an equity stake
For more information, attend a Cohort 2026 info webinar. You can also drop into 1 p.m. (CT) Friday Zoom office hours on September 19, October 3, October 31, or November 7 or e-mail chainreaction@anl.gov.
CRI is one of four U.S. Department of Energy Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Programs located at national laboratories throughout the country.