CESMII announces project call for manufacturing challenges

Nov. 13, 2020
The initiative pertains to research and development projects that can apply smart solutions to real-world manufacturing processes.

The US Department of Energy's (DOE's) Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) announced up to $4 million in new funding to improve energy-intensive manufacturing processes and strengthen America's manufacturing sector.

To accelerate the adoption of smart-manufacturing (SM) technologies, CESMII seeks research and development projects that can apply SM solutions to real-world manufacturing process and operation challenges that enable improved energy productivity, performance, quality and efficiency.

"Smart manufacturing technologies have potential application and impact across the entire manufacturing sector. Creating innovations in new, integrated, systematic processes with a highly skilled smart manufacturing workforce and vibrant supply chain is vital to a global transformation of the manufacturing industry,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Alex Fitzsimmons. "DOE's investments in smart manufacturing allow the American manufacturing sector to become more productive, more energy-efficient, and more competitive on a global scale."

For this request for proposals, CESMII anticipates making awards with periods of performance of up to six months. Industry partners must provide at least 50% of the total project funding. Projects may range from $50,000 to $200,000 (federal + cost share).