6 years of Game-changing technologies

IMPEL, a Department of Energy tech-to-market program that unites innovators with researchers, investors, and business experts — is celebrating six years of advancing next-generation building decarbonization technologies to market. 

From 3D-printed thermal energy storage, to drones that use machine learning to scan entire neighborhoods’ worth of buildings for air leaks, to quiet wind turbines that can be installed in tight spaces, great early-stage ideas are moving toward the market. Innovators get the mentorship, coaching, and support they need to turn promising concepts into concrete products.

we're celebrating innovators who are...

1. creating manufacturing and jobs

• Hempitecture opened the nation’s first industrial hemp manufacturing facility in Idaho with the help of over $4.7 million in crowdfunding.

• Aeroshield Materials will expand the manufacturing capacity for its energy efficient window technology with the support of a $610,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

• Flower Turbines has raised $14 million to boost manufacturing of its small-scale, flower-shaped wind turbines.

• Active Surfaces opened a new Manufacturing Research Facility in December 2024 for its flexible, high-efficiency solar technology that simplifies deployment, reduces costs, and eases the solar installation process.

• InventWood received a $20m ARPA-e SCALEUP award Funds used to build an ~90,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Frederick, MD to produce IP-protected MettleWood–a type of wood with the strength of steel–and hire at least 50 employees.

2. bringing eNERGY efficiency TO ALL AMERICANS

• Collective Infrastructures – Software and physical products that help agencies and professionals scale up carbon projects by connecting the right people and collecting the right data  

• Community Energy Labs – Virtual engineer that helps schools and communities improve energy efficiency and develop local clean energy projects 

• Edenic Energy – Software that maps out steps for improving building efficiency and reducing pollution in environmental justice communities 

• Veritel Energy – Renewable energy and efficiency investments that benefit both apartment owners and tenants

• Aris Hydronics – Affordable air-to-water combination heat pump system (designed in collaboration with LBNL) for multi-family buildings; operates using water, with 70% less refrigerant, achieving 45-70% energy savings, enhancing user comfort. 

3. slashing COSTS

• Rock Rabbit – AI that provides quick and easy access to green home rebates 

• Stepwise Electric – Home electrification without the costly infrastructure upgrades  

• frakktal – Safe, high-quality building materials made from agricultural waste  

• Lumen Cache – Easily installable efficient lighting for smart homes 

• Shower Stream – Reduces energy use and water waste 

• Suphub –  Streamlines building material procurement for energy efficiency 

• NextGlass – State-of-the-art vacuum-insulated windows that insulate as well as walls

5. EYE-catching building technologies

6. SEEDING RELEVANCE IN EMERGING MARKETS

• Ocean (formerly Eco-Shelter) – Affordable ultra-low-carbon roofing and building materials for the developing world.

• dodda.ai – AI-driven platform that streamlines permit processing and integrates with existing tools in the design-build industry. 

• Astrolabe Analytics – Predictive battery analytics software that maximizes battery performance and safety without compromising safety.

• ORB Technologies –  Bio-based, fire-resistant, load-bearing insulation material that can be used in building panels, walls, floors, and roofs.

• Cabomba – Filtration system that filters small-sized contaminants (even at nano-scale) from any fluid at 50% or less energy demand than standard systems.

• Radiant Pavilion (previously Kiss Architects) – Outdoor radiant cooling system including a range of easily deployed, solar-powered outdoor cooling and heating shelters, available both on and off the grid. 

the next 5 years

Innovative building technologies are an increasingly essential element in effective energy efficiency. 

IMPEL will continue to advance game-changing technologies that will help pave the way for affordable energy solutions for all Americans, the creation of manufacturing facilities, and new jobs.