Frequently Asked Questions

Innovation Crossroads is seeking entrepreneurs developing emerging technologies that address complex scientific and engineering challenges in energy, advanced manufacturing, grid integration, and smart building systems. Each year, specific technology areas of interest are identified by program sponsors, but all projects must align with Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) research priorities and unique capabilities.

For the most up-to-date information on technology focus areas and eligibility requirements, please visit our Apply page.

The program is intended for highly motivated, technically skilled entrepreneurs with the vision and leadership potential to drive early-stage technology development. While projects may evolve over time, applicants must propose a concept that is technically feasible, clearly differentiated, and addresses a well-defined problem with the potential for broad, long-term impact.

Competitive applications will include a thorough explanation of the technology’s background, the key technical challenges to be addressed during the fellowship, and initial consideration of the market opportunity.

For full details on applicant qualifications and project expectations, visit our Apply page.

Yes. While applicants apply to the program as individuals and are supported in their personal capacity, it is common for participants to have already established a company around their technology.

ORNL employees are eligible to participate in Innovation Crossroads if they meet the following conditions:

• Update Part I of their ORNL-16 form and consult with the ORNL Office of General Counsel to establish a conflict-of-interest mitigation plan prior to applying.
   
• If selected, take entrepreneurial leave for the duration of the program.
   
• Apply to license ORNL technology only after the entrepreneurial leave has begun.

For more details on timelines, application processes, conflict of interest management, and mitigation plans, please refer to the ORNL Entrepreneurship Program Quick Guide.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your specific situation, please contact the ORNL Partnerships Director.

Applications are reviewed by scientific and industry experts both within and outside ORNL. Reviewers with any potential conflicts of interest will be asked to recuse themselves from evaluating those specific applications. All selected reviewers agree to maintain confidentiality and not disclose any application information outside the formal review process.

We do not share application materials beyond the review panel without your explicit permission. While we encourage you to provide thorough information in your application, we recommend avoiding the inclusion of critically sensitive proprietary details.

Please be sure to mark every page of your application with the footer: “Confidential and Proprietary.”

DOE and TVA provide funding to ORNL to support selected innovators in advancing their technologies. Program sponsors also offer an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellowship for the first year, with the possibility of renewal based on a performance review, supporting innovators for up to two years through the program.

Selected participants may receive up to 24 months of Innovation Crossroads support, which includes:

• Two-year fellowship: Innovators receive an annual living stipend of $115,000, plus a health insurance stipend and a professional development allowance to cover travel, training, and customer discovery activities.
   
• World-class lab access and research funding: Innovators gain unparalleled access to ORNL’s facilities, tools, equipment, and expertise, along with R&D funding to foster collaboration with lab researchers.
   
• Business mentors, entrepreneurial training, and networking: Participants benefit from experienced business mentors, targeted entrepreneurial training programs, and exclusive networking opportunities. They are also connected to leaders across academia, industry, government, and finance who can provide guidance and partnership opportunities.

Each innovator partners with an ORNL Principal Investigator (PI) through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). Together, they develop a scope of work aligned with the Innovation Crossroads framework, outlining the research to be conducted at the laboratory. All CRADAs require DOE approval.

During the fellowship, innovators have access to office and laboratory space to collaborate closely with ORNL researchers.

No. Innovation Crossroads is a fellowship program focused primarily on supporting innovators themselves. Our nonprofit mission is to help you identify the best path to bring your technology to market, regardless of the specific business model you choose.

No. Participants are expected to commit full time and be fully engaged in advancing their project throughout the program.

Yes. Participation in the program requires innovators to relocate to the Knoxville/Oak Ridge area and be in close proximity to ORNL.

No. While other team members and company components can be located anywhere, the individual participating in Innovation Crossroads must reside within commuting distance of ORNL.

For any additional questions, please feel free to email us at innvcrossrds@ornl.gov.