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 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.
$155M+ raised
36 U.S. states and territories represented
243 awards, grants, prizes, and pilots
210+ new jobs created
290+ teams
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 reduces costs, and eases installation.
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 projects by connecting the right people and collecting the right data
Edenic Energy – Software that maps out steps for improving building efficiency and reducing pollution
Veritel Energy – Affordable energy and savings for multifamily housing
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 – Powering Homes 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
4. winning prizes AND AWARDS
5. EYE-catching building technologies
Algae-filled lattices that beautify and boost window efficiency
A smart nose that sniffs out opportunities to improve building efficiency.
Striking & innovative construction material for high-performance buildings
The prettiest wind energy on the market
6. SEEDING RELEVANCE IN EMERGING MARKETS
Ocean (formerly Eco-Shelter) – Durable and affordable 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.