IMPEL launched in 2019 as a pilot program, selecting and assembling five Lab Innovation Teams from the ranks of the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Lab network.

The IMPEL 2019 program had three objectives:

• Develop a framework for industry mentorship to guide national lab researchers through an idea incubation process, such that their R&D efforts can be identified in impact areas where industry players find a gap.

• Train researchers to communicate value to important non-technical audiences. 

• Launch relationships between industry and national labs on the selected technologies.

The IMPEL 2019 program was designed to benefit both lab teams and mentors.

• The Lab Innovation Teams​ (LITs) were the core beneficiaries of the IMPEL program. They gained deep exposure to industry mentors, insights into market considerations, exposure to technical experts, access to building technologies-focused resource guides

• IMPEL mentors gained a meaningful opportunity for exposure to the DOE and national lab network, as well as an access to LIT ideas. Mentors got to know about other areas/departments within the national labs. 

These five lab innovation teams took their concept from idea to pitch guided by industry mentors, at a final wide-exposure DOE-IMPEL Showcase Event in Washington DC. 

For more information about IMPEL's first year:

• IMPEL 2019 People

• IMPEL 2019 Activities