One of the ways we do this is through Workshops, where we convene technical experts and thought leaders to discuss critical technology needs and opportunities that can lead to both scientific and commercial breakthroughs.

Workshops include technical and application focused presentations, facilitated breakouts and networking opportunities with the overarching goal of identifying disruptive R&D pathways that can lead to scientific and engineering breakthroughs. Participants have the opportunity to discuss progress, identify technical challenges, propose potential solutions, network with stakeholders, and share experience in the field. Our workshops aim to bring together adjacent research communities to produce new networks and collaborations that can accelerate discoveries and scaling.

We also create opportunities for participants to quick-pitch proprietary ideas for Breakthrough Energy funding. We support proof of concept, theoretical studies and other approaches that can lead to rapid technological advancement.

To date, Breakthrough Energy has held the following workshops:

• Metal Hydrides: What’s Old, What’s New and What For? (United States)
• Superconductors – Facts, Fiction, and What If (United States)
• Alkali and Alkaline Earth Chemistry for Terra Watt Energy Storage (United States)
• Hydrogen: Increasing Demand through End-use Innovation (Singapore & Japan)

Breakthrough Energy Discovery convenes Workshops on a wide variety of technical topics. Participation is by invitation only. If you would like to be considered for participation in a future event, please send your CV to workshops@breakthroughenergy.org.

Explorer Grants

Great ideas often emerge from our Fellows application pool or our BE Workshops that require additional research & development, time, and resources before they are ready to become a company.

To support these promising but nascent ideas, we offer Explorer Grants—one-time, 12-month awards designed to support early-stage, proof-of-concept, and commercially focused research.

Awardees remain in position during the grant term, typically at university labs or other research entities, and spend the year furthering their technological progress while also gaining access to the Breakthrough Energy network and ecosystem.

Learn more about Explorer Grants and see the list of current projects here, and please fill out our interest form below.