About this programme
The FUEL Proof-of-Concept Fund, also called the Equitable Energy Transition Proof-of-Concept Fund, is run by FUEL (Future Use of Energy in Louisiana), an NSF Regional Innovation Engine led by LSU. It offers grants of $100,000 to $125,000 to help entrepreneurs demonstrate the commercialization potential of clean energy projects.
Funding is open to individuals at Louisiana universities, Louisiana-based startups, and companies with a presence in the state. Beyond the grant money, recipients get mentoring and technical assistance to help commercialize their discoveries.
The fund supports six focus areas: industrial CO2 reduction through carbon capture, usage and subsurface sequestration; a sustainable industrial hydrogen economy; energy efficiency and using CO2 as feedstock; sustainable water management for the energy and hydrogen transition; structural integrity and sustainable manufacturing for the energy transition; and economic and policy research on decarbonization.
FUEL Executive Director Michael Mazzola has said the fund provides critical support for entrepreneurs, enabling them to take their discoveries from early-stage research to market-ready solutions. FUEL has run at least two award rounds: a first round of Proof-of-Concept investments and a second round that awarded over $1 million to its awardees.
Who can apply
Open to individuals at Louisiana universities, Louisiana-based startups, or companies with a presence in Louisiana.
The project must fall within one of FUEL's six focus areas: carbon capture/CO2 reduction, industrial hydrogen, energy efficiency/CO2 feedstock, water management for the energy transition, sustainable manufacturing for the energy transition, or decarbonization policy research.
Frequently asked
How much does the FUEL Proof-of-Concept Fund award?
Grants of $100,000 to $125,000 per award.
Who can apply?
Individuals at Louisiana universities, Louisiana-based startups, or companies with a presence in the state working in one of FUEL's clean-energy focus areas.
Do I get anything besides the grant money?
Yes. Recipients also receive mentoring and technical assistance to help commercialize their work.
Has the fund made more than one round of awards?
Yes. FUEL has announced a first round of Proof-of-Concept investments and a second round that awarded over $1 million to its awardees.
Who do I contact about the fund?
Stephen Loy, stephenloy@lsu.edu, is the primary program contact.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.