DOE Launches Host Institution Application for Energy Innovator Fellowship

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened the Host Institution application process for the Energy Innovator Fellowship (EIF), a program that offers recent graduates and early-career professionals a valuable educational opportunity to collaborate with critical energy organizations on host-driven projects.

Through EIF, host institutions benefit from the expertise and support of fellows, advancing initiatives focused on modernizing the power grid, improving energy infrastructure, and strengthening the affordability, reliability, and security of the U.S. power system. The program also aims to broaden access to energy career pathways nationwide. EIF has placed fellows with 120 host institutions across 49 states and territories since 2017.

Eligible host institutions include cooperative and municipal utilities, grid operators, state public utility commissions, and state energy offices across all U.S. states and territories, as well as Tribal entities, which include Indian Tribes, nonprofit regional Intertribal organizations, and Tribal energy development organizations. DOE encourages prospective hosts to apply to receive support from an Energy Innovator Fellow by aligning project proposals with the 2026 Topics of Interest.

Host institution applications are due Oct. 2, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET.

Join us for an application informational webinar on Sept. 2, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET. Register here.