Driving Advanced Materials Innovation

Accelerate connects promising U.S. innovators with the technical expertise of ExxonMobil and the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) to develop and reduce risk in advanced materials technologies.

formCohort 1 applications are now open through August 28, 2026 – 11:59 PM MT

Apply now→Download the Program Overview

Why Apply

Non-Dilutive Technical Assistance Worth $250,000

Receive tailored support from NLR experts in materials modeling, fabrication, characterization, technical and economic analyses, and more. Lab assistance is tailored to advance your technology and commercialization goals.

National Laboratory Access

Use NLR subject-matter experts, world-class facilities, and laboratory spaces that reach across the advanced materials landscape. Learn more about NLR’s capabilities.

Collaboration With ExxonMobil

Partner with ExxonMobil experts in priority growth sectors. Strong performers may have the opportunity to continue the relationship following the program.

Connections Across NLR’s Investor and Industry Ecosystem

Build relationships with investors, corporate partners, and innovation programs through the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center network.

Seeking Advanced Materials Technologies

Focus Areas

Accelerate is seeking advanced materials solutions that deliver sustained, differentiated performance in four sectors:

  • Construction — solutions improving construction speed/cost, building energy efficiency, fire/environmental resistance, or end-of-life disposition
  • Transportation (aerospace, automotive, marine) — solutions improving fuel efficiency, safety, manufacturing speed/cost, or end-of-life disposition
  • Energy storage — solutions improving cycle life, unit capacity, reduced leakage, safety, manufacturing speed/cost, or end-of-life disposition
  • Electronics and computing — solutions enhancing electron mobility, thermal management, manufacturing speed/cost, or end-of-life disposition.

Solutions must involve one or more advanced materials of interest:

  • Polymers and polymer composites (matrix and filler)
  • Hydrocarbon phase change materials and cooling fluids
  • Carbon materials (excluding carbon fibers)
  • Ceramics including polymer ceramic composites
  • Battery electrolyte materials.

Solutions should demonstrate a credible pathway to scale within 3–5 years, targeting a customer segment with annual market potential of at least $1 billion.

Who Should Apply

Applicant companies must:

  • Be a legally registered United States entity (with Employer Identification Number)
  • Have headquarters in the United States
  • Meet domestic ownership, control, and influence requirements
  • Have a working prototype
Apply now→Download the Program Overview

ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy and petrochemical companies, creates solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading portfolio of resources, and is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world.

National Laboratory of the Rockies

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary lab for energy systems innovation. The NLR Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center helps turn economically viable advanced energy innovations into competitive, real-world solutions. It connects innovators with the resources, expertise, and entrepreneurial network needed to transform early-stage technologies into market-ready products.