Blog
Funding Beyond DoW
DARPA, ARPA-E, DOE and NSF research funding for deep-tech and energy foundersPublished · By DefDex
On this page 6
Short answer
Where can deep-tech founders find non-dilutive funding beyond the Department of War's SBIR program?
Beyond the Department of War's SBIR program and innovation units, non-dilutive funding comes from DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) research opportunities, ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy) for advanced energy technology, America's Seed Fund powered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for high-risk technologies, and the Department of Energy (DOE) funding directory and its SBIR/STTR programs.
Key takeaways
- DARPA publishes research opportunities and proposal guidance for technologies with national-security applications, including SBIR/STTR pathways for small businesses.
- ARPA-E's applicant guide directs you to ARPA-E eXCHANGE for current funding notices and submission requirements.
- America's Seed Fund powered by NSF funds startups developing high-risk technologies with commercial potential; review its eligibility and Project Pitch process before applying.
- The DOE funding directory covers grants, loans and other financing, so check each opportunity's funding type, eligible applicants and cost-sharing requirements.
Not every route to non-dilutive funding runs through the Department of War’s SBIR program or its innovation units. These agencies fund high-risk research and energy technology with national-security and commercial potential.
How Does DARPA Fund Research?
Research opportunities
DARPA →
Find research opportunities and proposal guidance for technologies with national-security applications. Small-business resources include DARPA’s SBIR/STTR pathways.
Where Can Energy and Deep-Tech Startups Get Research Funding?
Energy research funding
ARPA-E →
Learn how to apply for advanced energy technology funding. The applicant guide directs you to ARPA-E eXCHANGE for current notices and submission requirements.
SBIR/STTR grants
America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF →
Explore early-stage funding for startups developing high-risk technologies with commercial potential. Review eligibility and the Project Pitch process before preparing an application.
What Funding Does the Department of Energy (DOE) Offer?
The Department of Energy’s funding directory brings together opportunities from its program offices. Start here to explore energy research and technology funding, then follow the relevant office’s announcement.
Explore DOE funding opportunities →The directory includes grants, loans, and other financing. Check each opportunity’s funding type, eligible applicants, and cost-sharing requirements.
Does DOE Run SBIR and STTR Programs?
DOE’s SBIR/STTR programs support eligible small businesses pursuing research and development with commercial potential. The program site provides funding announcements, applicant resources, and program updates.
Visit DOE SBIR/STTR →Resource links reviewed October 9, 2026. Follow each program’s official site for current availability and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is non-dilutive funding?
Non-dilutive funding is equity-free money: the company does not give up ownership to receive it. Federal examples include Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards, DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) research funding, ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy) energy technology funding, and grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE).
How do I apply for DARPA funding?
Start with DARPA's (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) published research opportunities and proposal guidance for technologies with national-security applications. Small businesses can also use DARPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) pathways; DARPA is one of the components that posted topics in the Department of War's FY2026 SBIR/STTR solicitations.
How do I apply for ARPA-E funding?
ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy) funds advanced energy technology, and its applicant guide explains how to apply. The guide directs applicants to ARPA-E eXCHANGE, where current funding notices and submission requirements are posted. Check ARPA-E eXCHANGE for the current notice before preparing a submission. ARPA-E is one of the agencies outside the Department of War's SBIR program that funds energy technology with national-security and commercial potential.
What is America's Seed Fund?
America's Seed Fund powered by NSF is the National Science Foundation's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant program. It provides early-stage funding for startups developing high-risk technologies with commercial potential. Before preparing an application, review its eligibility rules and the Project Pitch process on the Seed Fund's apply page.
Does the Department of Energy offer grants?
Yes. The Department of Energy (DOE) funding directory brings together grants, loans and other financing from its program offices; start there, then follow the relevant office's announcement. Check each opportunity's funding type, eligible applicants and cost-sharing requirements. Its SBIR/STTR programs separately support eligible small businesses pursuing research and development with commercial potential.
Does the Department of Energy have an SBIR program?
Yes. The Department of Energy (DOE) runs Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs that support eligible small businesses pursuing research and development with commercial potential. The DOE SBIR/STTR program site provides funding announcements, applicant resources and program updates.