Press Coverage
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Argonne’s New Tech Incubator Includes Access to Mira Supercomputer
To help entrepreneurs bridge this commercialization valley of death, CRI will support cutting-edge innovators to work on early-stage technologies that can deliver game-changing impact to the energy industry. Read More
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Tech roundup: Huge week for tech at Chicago universities, Argonne's new incubator, & more
Argonne National Laboratory, a science and engineering research laboratory operated by the University of Chicago right outside the city, is launching a new incubator for science-centered startups. Read More
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Chain Reaction creates innovative incubator for transformative energy tech
To meet the challenge of developing transformative energy technologies and cleaner manufacturing processes and new materials the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and Argonne National Laboratory have launched a new innovation accelerator program for science and energy entrepreneurs called Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI). Read More
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DOE launches Midwest energy accelerator
Argonne National Laboratory yesterday debuted an accelerator program that is meant to connect young entrepreneurs working on bold but difficult ideas with the lab's deep bench of experts and their state-of-the-art equipment. Read More
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Argonne National Lab Launches Incubator for Hi-tech Startups
With mission to develop an innovation ecosystem the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and Argonne National Laboratory announced innovation accelerator program for science and energy startups called Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI). Read More
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Tech Incubator For Clean Energy Coming To Argonne National Lab
The Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) program for scientists and energy entrepreneurs will open up its application process later this summer. Through the program, announced Tuesday, participants can work with Argonne's researchers, engineers and equipment. Read More
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Argonne’s New Tech Incubator Includes Access to Mira Supercomputer
Chain Reaction Innovations will provide innovators access to Argonne’s deep network of 1,400 multidisciplinary researchers and engineers as well as unique tools, including the Mira supercomputer and the nation’s highest-energy X-ray source, the Advanced Photon Source. Through a partnership with mentor organizations, CRI participants will also receive assistance with developing business strategies, conducting market research and finding long-term financing and commercial partners. Read More
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Argonne National Lab Comes up with a Startup Incubator
Most startups need access to capital and guidance at the initial stage. Lemont-based Argonne National Lab launches a new incubator known as Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) for tech-startups. CRI aims to narrow the gap for startups between the lab and marketplace. Read More
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Argonne Launches First Tech Incubator
Developing transformative energy technologies and cleaner manufacturing processes and new materials requires more than a great idea and some committed people. It takes an innovation ecosystem. Read More
Latest Updates
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Five New Startups Join Argonne's Entrepreneurship Program
As Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) celebrates its 10th anniversary, the entrepreneurship program at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Argonne National Laboratory is welcoming five startup founders to its 2026 cohort. Over the next two years, the entrepreneurs will embed full time at Argonne, partnering… Read More
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Director's Letter August 2026
Dear Friends of CRI, It’s been a busy summer at Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) and a great reminder of how much our community continues to grow. We recently announced our 2026 cohort, welcoming five new startup founders to Argonne. They bring new technologies, perspectives and… Read More
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CRI to Open Recruitment for Cohort 2027
Scientists and engineers ready to take their technology from the laboratory to the marketplace will soon have a new opportunity to make that leap. Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) will open applications for its 2027 cohort on Sept. 15, 2026, offering technical founders a fellowship… Read More
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Finalists Chosen for CRI’s Cohort 2026
Eleven individuals advanced to the Finals pitch competition to join Chain Reaction Innovations’ Cohort 2026. A broad range of energy innovations are represented in this year’s applicants, including battery technologies, industrial processes, performance materials and biotechnology. The 11 startups will pitch their technology during the virtual… Read More
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2025 Startup Milestones
About CRI Startup founders and the CRI team work together to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing energy and environmental challenges through transformative science and technology. CRI support allows science startups to bring their deep tech to market more quickly. The combined total of… Read More
