The U.S. 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 technologies, CESMII is seeking research and development projects that can apply 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," said deputy assistant secretary for energy efficiency Alex Fitzsimmons. "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. 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).
Founded in 2016, in partnership with DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, CESMII is the third institute funded by EERE's Advanced Manufacturing Office. CESMII accelerates smart manufacturing adoption through the integration of advanced sensors, data analytics, platforms and controls to improve energy productivity and efficiency in manufacturing.
