Unlocking Innovation, Inspiring Entrepreneurs

The West Gate Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program offers promising entrepreneurs a career-changing opportunity to access NREL's expertise and capabilities to speed the development of their startup's core technologies.

Aspiring entrepreneurs aim to tackle the world's greatest energy challenges. Selected innovators' core technologies align with NREL's research mission of leading research, innovation, and strategic partnerships to deliver integrated solutions for an affordable and secure energy future.

West Gate embeds innovators at NREL and pairs them with scientists who specialize in the innovators' technology areas. Throughout the program's 2-year runway, innovators work with scientists in NREL's world-class laboratories to de-risk their technologies, ready them for market, and grow their startup companies.

West Gate Cohort 5 Application Now Open

Apply for West Gate Cohort 5 by 11:59 p.m. MT Nov. 7. Candidates selected to advance to the semifinalist phase will be notified in December.

Attend an informational webinar to learn more about the West Gate program—including the application process, eligibility criteria, timeline, and submission tips:

West Gate Cohort 5 Informational Webinar 1
Thursday, Sept. 25
noon–1 p.m. MT
Register for Webinar 1

West Gate Cohort 5 Informational Webinar 2
Monday, Oct. 20
noon–1 p.m. MT
Register for Webinar 2