The ASPECT grant aims to support the development and testing of new chemical technologies that use alternative and waste materials. The goal is to help these technologies grow from research stages to pre-pilot testing, which is a step before full-scale production. This grant is divided into two main areas: one for early-stage research and one for technologies ready to move to pre-pilot scale. The grant encourages using waste materials from construction and demolition, like wood waste, to create chemicals with large market potential.
Who it's for: This grant is for a wide range of organizations and individuals, including universities, nonprofits, small businesses, state and local governments, tribal governments, and for-profit organizations. It's ideal for those working on innovative chemical technologies using alternative feedstocks and who are ready to advance their projects to the next level of development.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Target chemicals without a global market potential of at least 1 million metric tons
- Failure to submit a Letter of Commitment with Stage 1 application
- Late submission without valid technical difficulty justification
- Projects not related to chemical technologies using alternative feedstocks
- Ineligible use of funds outside the scope of research and pre-pilot testing
What You May Need
- Concept Paper by October 9, 2026
- Full Application by December 1, 2026
- Letter(s) of Commitment for Stage 1
- Detailed project proposal
- Proof of cost-sharing ability
- Documentation of eligibility
- Technical details of the proposed technology
- Market analysis for the target chemicals
- Collaboration agreements if applicable
Cautions
- Ensure target chemicals meet the market size requirement
- Strict deadlines with no extensions for late submissions
- Cost-sharing is mandatory
- Technical difficulties must be reported immediately
- Check eligibility criteria carefully
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include private and public institutions of higher education, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, state governments, special district governments, city or township governments, other Native American tribal organizations, individuals, independent school districts, small businesses, county governments, and for-profit organizations. This broad eligibility is designed to encourage diverse participation in advancing chemical technologies using alternative feedstocks.
Overview
This grant is for a wide range of organizations and individuals, including universities, nonprofits, small businesses, state and local governments, tribal governments, and for-profit organizations. It's ideal for those working on innovative chemical technologies using alternative feedstocks and who are ready to advance their projects to the next level of development.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Target chemicals without a global market potential of at least 1 million metric tons
- Failure to submit a Letter of Commitment with Stage 1 application
- Late submission without valid technical difficulty justification
- Projects not related to chemical technologies using alternative feedstocks
- Ineligible use of funds outside the scope of research and pre-pilot testing
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to support research, development, and pre-pilot testing of innovative chemical technologies that use alternative and waste feedstocks. This includes costs associated with advancing technologies from research stages to pre-pilot scale operations.
Total Program Funding
$58,000,000
Expected Awards
10
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 4, 2026
- Deadline
- Dec 1, 2026(39 days)
- Archive Date
- Dec 31, 2026
- Last Updated
- Sep 23, 2026
Application Checklist
- Register and access the eXCHANGE system
- Prepare and submit Concept Paper by October 9, 2026
- Gather and submit Letter(s) of Commitment with Stage 1 application
- Complete Full Application by December 1, 2026
- Ensure all documents meet the specified requirements
- Contact eXCHANGE helpdesk for any technical issues
- Verify eligibility and cost-sharing capability
- Review and comply with all NOFO guidelines