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Seth B. Darling is the Chief Science & Technology Officer for the Advanced Energy Technologies Directorate at Argonne National Laboratory.
Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, and nowhere is this more evident than in the critical efforts to address energy security, modernize infrastructure for efficiency and resilience, and strengthen global supply chains. One might think that once a discovery is made in the lab, it’s only a matter of doing the same thing on a bigger scale to bring it to the market.
In reality, the journey from a groundbreaking discovery to a deployed solution is fraught with challenges: technical barriers, scalability hurdles and the infamous “valleys of death” where so many promising ideas falter. Bridging these gaps requires a blend of resources, expertise and collaboration—a role that the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories are uniquely equipped to play.
National Labs: Catalysts For Innovation At Scale
DOE’s 17 national labs form the backbone of America’s research enterprise, housing world-class facilities and multidisciplinary teams. Despite their science and technology stature, several of these labs also serve a lesser-known role—they are vital hubs for scaling emerging technologies. By fostering partnerships with industry, academia and government agencies, they accelerate the transition from research to impact.
Take the Materials Engineering Research Facility (MERF) at Argonne National Laboratory, for example. MERF specializes in upsizing the production of novel materials—from gram quantities in the lab to kilograms or more—to enable testing and deployment.
This capability has been instrumental in advancing novel materials for batteries, water treatment and beyond. By closing the divide between fundamental research and industrial application, MERF reduces risk for private-sector partners by applying advanced science to materials and chemicals manufacturing.
At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) is pioneering advancements in additive manufacturing and sustainable materials. The MDF’s distinctive infrastructure allows companies to test new manufacturing techniques at scales that are unattainable in most academic or corporate settings. This accelerates commercialization while driving down costs, enabling breakthroughs that range from lightweight vehicle components to energy-efficient building materials.
The Energy Materials and Processing at Scale (EMAPS) facility, scheduled to open at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in 2027, will further underscore this scaling mission. This state-of-the-art laboratory will expedite the development and deployment of energy materials by transitioning prototype innovations to production-ready processes. EMAPS’s capabilities will complement the MERF and MDF to directly address cost, performance and scalability issues that often hinder commercialization.
The Power Of Collaborative Ecosystems
The success of these facilities is driven not only by their tools and staff expertise but also by the ecosystems they cultivate. National labs excel at bringing together diverse stakeholders, such as academia, NGOs and industrial companies, to tackle complex challenges in collaboration.
For instance, Argonne’s MERF works closely with small businesses through the DOE’s Small Business Vouchers Program, providing entrepreneurs with access to knowledge and equipment that would otherwise be out of reach. Similarly, Oak Ridge’s MDF works with companies of all sizes to co-develop solutions for advanced manufacturing.
These collaborations create a virtuous cycle: Industry partners gain access to cutting-edge resources and expertise to commercialize new products, while national labs gain insights into real-world needs that can shape future national research priorities. The result is a win-win scenario that drives innovation and economic growth.
From Discovery To Deployment: A National Imperative
The stakes have never been higher. Supply chain resilience, energy security and environmental stewardship are not just technological hurdles—they are essential to the prosperity of our country. National labs play an important role in ensuring that promising discoveries don’t get stuck at the bench but instead make it to the marketplace where they can deliver tangible benefits.
By leveraging unique facilities like MERF, MDF and EMAPS, alongside others across the DOE complex, we can address these grand challenges head-on. The key is fostering an environment where discovery thrives, partnerships flourish and the path from discovery to deployment becomes a familiar and well-traveled trail rather than an insurmountable chasm.
A Call To Action
For industry leaders and policymakers, the message is clear: National labs are not just research institutions—they are innovation engines capable of driving transformative change. Engaging with these labs during the early stages of technology development can be highly effective when companies approach with clear objectives and a collaborative mindset.
Establishing early communication and aligning on shared goals can streamline the process, ensuring that both parties benefit from the partnership. Companies can also leverage programs like the DOE’s Technology Commercialization Fund, which supports the transition of promising technologies from lab to market.
Nonprofit entities, such as universities and NGOs, also play a crucial role in the lab-to-market process by fostering an environment of knowledge exchange and public engagement. These stakeholders can help identify societal needs and ensure that technological advancements align with public interests. By participating in advisory boards or public forums, they can influence research directions and facilitate the adoption of new technologies.
When working with a national lab, it’s important to not underestimate the complexity of scaling technologies or neglect the need for clear intellectual property agreements. Companies should be prepared for rigorous testing and validation processes, which are essential for ensuring that innovations are market-ready.
Additionally, maintaining open and transparent communication throughout the partnership can prevent misunderstandings and foster a more productive collaboration. By addressing these challenges right away, stakeholders can maximize the benefits of their engagement with national labs, driving innovation and economic growth.
Through collaboration and shared purpose, we can ensure that tomorrow’s technologies are ready to meet today’s demands.
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