The U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-E) has announced an open funding opportunity for up to $125 million, OPEN 2015, that may be of interest to the solid-state lighting community. OPEN 2015 will support energy research and development projects from top U.S. innovators for game-changing new technologies in transportation and stationary applications, including efficiency for buildings, manufacturing and commerce, and personal use.

This is ARPA-E's third open funding opportunity announcement. Open solicitations ensure that ARPA-E can support transformational projects outside the scope of existing ARPA-E-focused programs. The projects selected under OPEN 2015 will pursue novel approaches to energy innovation across the full spectrum of energy applications.

Anticipated to be split up into anywhere from 30 to 50 awards of $1 million to $10 million each, the funding opportunity is open to all transformational energy technologies. Those eligible include U.S. for-profit entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Foreign entities may also apply, but work must be performed by subsidiaries or affiliates incorporated in the U.S. Notices of intent are due by February 20, and concept papers are due by February 27.

ARPA-E catalyzes the advancement of transformational energy technologies by investing in high-potential, high-impact energy projects that are too early for the private sector. For more information on OPEN 2015 (solicitation number DE-FOA-0001261), please visit https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov.