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Office: Bioenergy Technologies Office
Maximizing Algal System Yield (MASY) Notice of Funding Opportunity
- NOFO Number: DE-FOA-0003520
- NOFO Amount: $10 million
- Selections to be Announced: ̴ September 2025
- Link to Apply: DE-FOA-0003520
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced up to $10 million in funding to support high-impact research and development (R&D) focused on algae system cultivation and preprocessing. The notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), Maximizing Algal System Yield (MASY), will support BETO’s R&D priorities in the area of Renewable Carbon Resources for advancing algal systems.
Algae can provide abundant, feedstock sources for affordable, reliable biofuels, bioproducts, and bioenergy that do not compete with existing feedstocks. For this NOFO, algae include microalgae, cyanobacteria, and macroalgae (also referred to as seaweed).
The MASY NOFO seeks applications to address ‘pinch points’ (defined as a challenge area within a proposed system that, if relieved, would enable scaling towards commercialization) in algal system operations that currently limit algae expansion as a domestic bioenergy feedstock. By addressing these challenges now with targeted applied R&D, BETO will accelerate the development of innovative technologies that can enable algae developers to bring new bioproducts to market, that will grow domestic supply chains, expand access to renewable feedstocks, and improve energy security.
This funding opportunity aligns with EERE and national goals to deliver a resilient energy future, by maximizing the use of domestic resources, and supporting the growth of the bioeconomy to provide good paying jobs for all Americans.
Topic Area
The MASY NOFO supports one topic area - Maximizing Algal System Yield.
Additional Information & Key Dates
BETO plans to distribute multiple financial assistance awards for the MASY NOFO, in the form of cooperative agreements lasting between 18 months to three years. Required concept papers are due by 5:00 pm ET, on February 21, 2025, and the full application deadline is 5:00 pm ET, on May 15, 2025.
Information on the MASY NOFO and how to apply can be found on EERE Exchange. Additional details on the funding opportunity and applicant eligibility are also available on Grants.gov. Any questions relating to this specific NOFO, please send emails to [email protected].
Additional Information
- Visit BETO’s funding opportunities page for other upcoming funding opportunities.
- Sign up to receive regular communications about BETO vacancy announcements, webinars, workshops, Bioprose: Bioenergy R&D Blogs, funding opportunities, and technical reports.
Teaming Partner List
BETO has compiled teaming partner list guidance to encourage collaboration and facilitate the formation of project teams. This list allows organizations wishing to apply for funding to explore partnering with other prospective applicants. Partnerships can provide additional expertise and resources to successfully meet FOA goals.
The Teaming Partner List for this NOFO is available and will be updated periodically until the close of the Full Application period of the NOFO to reflect new Teaming Partners who have provided their information. By facilitating this Teaming Partner List, EERE does not endorse or otherwise evaluate the qualifications of the entities that self-identify themselves for placement on the Teaming Partner List. EERE will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any respondents for the development of such information.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: View the Teaming Partner List by visiting the eXCHANGE homepage and clicking on “Teaming Partners” within the left-hand navigation pane. This page allows users to view published Teaming Partner Lists. To join the Teaming Partner List, submit a request within eXCHANGE. Select the appropriate Teaming Partner List from the drop-down menu, and fill in the following information: Investigator Name, Organization Name, Organization Type, Topic Area, Background and Capabilities, Website, Contact Address, Contact Email, and Contact Phone.
DISCLAIMER: By submitting a request to be included on the Teaming Partner List, the requesting organization consents to the publication of the above-referenced information. By facilitating the Teaming Partner List, DOE is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals and organizations that are identifying themselves for placement on this Teaming Partner List. DOE will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any applicants or requesting organizations for the development of such information.
Technology Verification
All applications selected for award negotiations are required to participate in a verification process led by DOE’s identified external third-party non-conflicted verification team. This verification process provides bioenergy technology verification to both BETO and the project by providing an in-depth analysis of key technical and economic metrics to ensure transparency and increase the likelihood of project success.