Cradle to Commerce Summit

Domain Landscape Panels: The Domain Landscape Panels are concurrent sessions specific to the barriers, trends, and frontiers of each of the four C2C domains. Experts will explore how public-private collaborations can accelerate the development of transformative technologies, policies, and investments to advance building innovations for affordable and secure energy future. 

National Lab Innovation Leadership: This is a dynamic and informative plenary session to explore the critical role of the Department of Energy’s U.S. National Laboratories in driving innovation and shaping a resilient future. The goal of this session is to inform the audience how the National Laboratories are the critical component for accelerating energy breakthroughs, and partnering with industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and philanthropies in delivering innovative and secure energy solutions to all. 

Fueling Deep Tech: Industry and the "Missing Middle" of Commercialization: The "missing middle" in deep tech commercialization refers to the challenging gap between early-stage research funding and later-stage commercial investment, where startups struggle to secure the substantial capital needed for product development, scaling, and market entry. The panel of industry experts will examine the several crucial roles in bridging this gap through direct investment and funding, market validation and customer development, technical infrastructure and resources, regulatory and compliance guidance, and supply chain integration and scale.

Catalyzing Deep Tech: Public and Philanthropic Paths to Market: Public and philanthropic sectors offer several distinct pathways to bridge the commercialization gap for deep tech innovations emerging from research labs. The panel will discuss how government funding programs, Technology Transfer Offices and Incubators, public-private partnership models, philanthropic innovation funds, mission-driven capital, regional economic development are being leveraged. The most successful pathways often combine multiple funding sources and support mechanisms, creating comprehensive ecosystems that address both the financial and operational challenges of deep tech commercialization.

Commercializing Deep Tech: Private Sector Playbook for Market Impact: Venture capital pathways for deep tech commercialization have evolved significantly. The panelists will discuss actionable venture capital approaches specifically designed for the unique requirements of early stage deeptech startups translating laboratory breakthroughs into commercial success.

Case Studies: Lab to Market Successes: Hear about the journeys of entrepreneurs who leveraged National Labs' fundamental research, specialized facilities, and technical expertise while bringing commercial focus, private capital, and market development capabilities to transform laboratory innovations into viable businesses.