About
West Gate provides innovators with a career-changing opportunity to de-risk their technologies and receive specialized entrepreneurial training over a 2-year runway at NREL.
Successful hard-tech innovation demands more than brilliant science; it requires a system designed to nurture, de-risk, and translate ideas into impact. By embedding enterprising scientists and engineers and providing them with sustained access to world-class expertise and lab space at NREL, West Gate reduces the risk of entrepreneurial failure and accelerates the commercialization of innovators' technologies.
As the energy systems integration laboratory, NREL bridges foundational research with practical applications to ensure breakthroughs across diverse energy sources, storage, buildings, fuels, and emerging technologies work together to lower energy costs, drive economic growth, bolster national security, and deliver abundant energy.
Learn more about NREL.
West Gate is administered by NREL's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office. Launched in late 2021, West Gate is the fourth Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program.
West Gate—named after NREL's physical, private west gate entrance point—allows participating innovators to easily traverse between NREL and local R&D and entrepreneurial resources to unlock technical and industry capabilities while powering the development of their startup companies' core technologies.
Why Apply to West Gate
West Gate offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop their technologies at NREL and Colorado School of Mines.
The West Gate program philosophy puts innovators first. Once accepted into our 2-year program, you will receive:
- An annual living stipend of $115,000
- Relocation, healthcare, and travel support stipends for qualifying candidates
- 2-year technical assistance funding worth $150,000 redeemable at NREL
- Curated, individualized programming to fast-track training
- Entrepreneurial curriculum, mentorship, and support.
Access Partner Tools
West Gate innovators gain access to powerful tools from our partners, including MathWorks' mathematical computer software. Innovators will receive a 1-year subscription to the MathWorks suite of tools to conduct research projects, develop prototypes, and take ideas from concept to production.
West Gate supports innovators who have a technology concept in at least a proof-of-concept stage (Technology Readiness Level 3+) that is aligned with NREL research and development areas and meets the program's technology eligibility criteria.
Once selected to participate in West Gate, you will be uniquely matched to NREL expertise and capabilities to identify projects that will significantly de-risk your technologies in meaningful ways—leading to improved opportunities for your startup company to raise public or private funding.
West Gate boosts entrepreneurial potential through targeted training, curriculum, and mentorship. During the onboarding evaluation process, the West Gate Program Management Team will work with you to understand your individual needs and expectations and create a customized entrepreneurial training experience.
Learn About the Application Process
Read about West Gate's eligibility requirements and the steps in the application process.
West Gate Location
Once selected to enter the program full time, you must relocate to Golden, Colorado, or the greater Denver area to be near NREL and Colorado School of Mines. Local cities within easy access to these campuses include Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Arvada.
West Gate offers a highly immersive experience and, in conjunction with your technical work, you should expect a full calendar of meetings, trainings, and activities that promote deep connections within NREL and throughout the West Gate ecosystem.
Embedding at NREL
NREL's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, administrative offices, and majority of research labs are located at our main campus in Golden, Colorado. NREL's Flatirons Campus, which is home to the National Wind Technology Center, is located approximately 25 miles north of our main campus.
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Last Updated June 10, 2025