Partnering With Berkeley Lab: Industry-Lab Research Opportunities
Some of the most innovative technology transfer at Berkeley Lab involves collaborative projects with industry. In collaborative research, DOE and industry may jointly sponsor a project under a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). Costs, personnel, facilities, equipment, or research capabilities may be shared for mutual benefit. This provides industry with an excellent way to leverage R&D funds and conduct research that might otherwise not be possible.
Berkeley Lab also conducts industry-sponsored research and provides numerous National User Facilities. See below for more details.
Government Sponsored Collaborative Research Programs
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
SBIR and STTR are U.S. Government programs through which federal agencies support research and development with small businesses. Such subcontracting is frequent with SBIR awards and partnering with a U.S. non-profit institution (e.g. university or national lab) is required for STTR awards. Many companies partner or subcontract with a national lab to conduct part of the research. For more information, see www.science.doe.gov/sbir and www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbir/sbirstir/index.html. For a list of available FY2012 SBIR Tech Transfer Opportunities from LBNL, see http://www.lbl.gov/Tech-Transfer/industry/ResearchOpps/SBIR_Phase1_Release1_LBNL.html. - University of California Discovery Grant
These California state grants strengthen and expand California's economy through supporting industry-university research partnerships. Up to $60 million/year is available from state, industry and university/lab sources to fund research in the following nine fields: biotechnology; communications and networking; digital media innovation; electronics manufacturing and new materials; information technology for life sciences; microelectronics; energy; health and wellness; and nanotechnology. The grant program is open to researchers at UC (including those at LBNL) in partnership with businesses that have R&D or manufacturing operations in California related to the submitted proposal or that have a relevant R&D alliance with a firm in California. See more on the UC Discovery Grants.
- Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention Program (IPP)
Partnership opportunities with scientists from the former Soviet Union defense establishment are periodically available to Berkeley Lab researchers in tandem with a U.S. industrial partner. The DOE funds the work at the Lab and in the former Soviet Union. The industrial partner must make an in-kind contribution equal to the DOE funding. More information on the Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention Program
Sponsored Research: Work For Others
A company may sponsor Berkeley Lab scientists to conduct research in a specified area if researchers can be identified with appropriate and unique capabilities, as well as interest and availability. The unique equipment and specialized expertise at Berkeley Lab provide research opportunities that may not be available elsewhere. To explore a research proposal, contact TTD@lbl.gov or 510-486-6467. To discuss contractual issues contact the Office of Sponsored Projects and Industry Partnerships.
User Facilities
Berkeley Lab has several Department of Energy National User F acilities that are available to industry and others for research purposes. For more on these facilities:
Molecular Foundry (a nanostructures user facility)
National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC)
National Center for Electron Microscopy (NCEM)
The Joint Genome Institute (JGI)
88-Inch Cyclotron
Other User Facilities
- Bidirectional Radiometric Scanner
- Energy Efficient Fixtures Laboratory
- Environmental Chamber
- High Aspect Ratio-Microfabrication Laboratory (LIGA) *
- Infrared Thermography Laboratory
- Low Background Counting Facility *
- MoWitt: Mobile Window Thermal Test Facility
- Sky Simulator for Architectural Daylighting Design
* Please contact TTD@lbl.gov or at 510-486-6467 if you are interested in using one of the facilities listed above.
See examples of successful Industry-Lab research projects, and contact TTD@lbl.gov if you are interested in collaborating with Berkeley Lab or 510-486-6467.