On behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office regarding the launch of the Re-X Before Recycling Prize, administered by the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

This three-phase competition will award up to $5.6 million in federal funding and technical assistance at DOE’s national laboratories to participants who develop innovations to unlock new or expanded supply chains that can reintegrate end-of-use products into the economy via re-use, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and/or repurposing (collectively called “Re-X”) before recycling.

The prize is designed to stimulate innovation and private investment in circular economy approaches that can transform waste streams into diverse, integrated circular supply networks and contribute to a robust, environmentally sustainable economy.

Here’s more information about the prize:

• Phase 1, Identify!, is now open to submissions!

        - Apply on the HeroX site by March 12, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.

        - Up to 20 winners will receive $50,000 in cash. Winners will also receive consulting support from a national laboratory (worth up to $5,000) to identify analysis that could help maximize their idea’s potential impact and benefits.

• Register to join the informational webinar on Jan. 17, 2024, at 3 p.m. ET.
• View the official prize rules for more information, including eligibility requirements.
• To share the contest with your network, please use the outreach and engagement toolkit, which includes recommended messaging, sample social media posts, and approved graphics/videos for amplification on your channels.

We hope to see submissions from you, your organization, and/or your network!

Please reach out to Before.Recycling@nrel.gov with any questions.

Sincerely,

Re-X Before Recycling Prize Admin Team

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American Made Challenges
The Re-X Before Recycling Prize will award up to $5.6 million in federal funding and technical assistance from U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories. The prize is designed to stimulate innovation and private investment in circular economy approaches that can transform waste streams into diverse, integrated circular supply networks and contribute to a robust, environmentally sustainable economy. The prize is seeking innovations to unlock new or expanded supply chains that can reintegrate end-of-use products into the economy via re-use, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and/or repurposing (“Re-X”) before recycling.