Virtual, centrally managed teams connect basic fusion research with industry-informed needs.
Some program details are not available yet. Check current requirements, deadlines, and terms before you apply. Official program page
DOE says FIRE Collaboratives tackle fusion science and technology gaps informed by industry.
Under the 2024 solicitation, domestic applicant types were generally eligible, except 501(c)(4) nonprofits engaged in lobbying after December 31, 1995. DOE/NNSA National Laboratories could lead proposals or participate as subrecipients. These rules applied to the closed 2024 round and do not establish eligibility for a future call.
For the 2024 round, pre-applications went through DOE’s PAMS portal and full applications through Grants.gov. Multi-institutional teams submitted one application through a lead institution using prime and subaward roles. For-profit applicants had to append a program-alignment description of no more than 200 words. These were historical requirements for the closed solicitation, not a current application route.
The 2024 FIRE solicitation closed on September 26, 2024. DOE announced $107 million for six FIRE projects on January 16, 2025, and $128 million for seven FIRE teams on September 10, 2025; the available evidence does not establish whether the announced project sets overlap. In September 2025, DOE projected up to $220 million in FIRE funding over four years, subject to future appropriations. Selection for negotiations does not guarantee an award or funding.
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The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
The 2024 solicitation anticipated awards of $2 million to $5 million per year for four-year projects. These were expected award amounts and project terms, not guaranteed funding or verified terms for a future call.
The 2024 solicitation closed on September 26, 2024. The available evidence does not establish a current application window or a new round.
Domestic applicant types were generally eligible, except certain lobbying 501(c)(4) nonprofits. DOE/NNSA National Laboratories could lead proposals or participate as subrecipients. These terms applied to the closed 2024 round.
DOE anticipated awards of $2 million to $5 million per year for four-year projects. These were expected terms, not guaranteed awards or verified terms for a future round.
Pre-applications went through DOE’s PAMS portal and full applications through Grants.gov. Multi-institutional teams applied through one lead institution using prime and subaward roles.
Government Agency
Department of Energy - Office of Science
Postdoctoral research and training in DOE fusion energy sciences, including fusion and plasma science and technology.
Department of Energy - Office of Science
The DOE Fusion Energy Sciences program supports startup companies developing viable fusion pilot plant designs. Its near-term goals include preconceptual designs, technology roadmaps, and improved pilot-plant performance. Projects span tok
From public sources
DOE lists the 2024 FIRE application round as closed on September 26, 2024.
Source: FES Closed Funding Opportunity AnnouncementsDOE says FIRE Collaboratives tackle fusion science and technology gaps informed by industry.
Source: FES Public-Private PartnershipsDOE cautions that selection for negotiations does not guarantee FIRE funding.
Source: Energy Department Announces $134 Million to Advance U.S. Fusion Leadership Through Targeted ResearchIn September 2025, DOE projected up to $220 million over four years, subject to future appropriations.
Source: Energy Department Announces $134 Million to Advance U.S. Fusion Leadership Through Targeted ResearchDOE expected 2024 FIRE projects to last four years.
Source: Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives FOA DE-FOA-0003361 Amendment 000002DOE anticipated 2024 FIRE awards of $2 million to $5 million per year.
Source: Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives FOA DE-FOA-0003361 Amendment 000002
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Public ProgramDefense Advanced Research Projects Agency
A DARPA program developing bidirectional peripheral-nerve interfaces for dexterous prosthetic-hand control and touch.
Public ProgramJapan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Japan's Moonshot R&D goal to bring fusion energy into society by 2050, run by JST with project managers across universities and labs.
Public ProgramUK Atomic Energy Authority
UKAEA's challenge program that funded UK companies to develop fusion technologies; it closes in 2026.
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