DOE Opened Industrial Training Center Applications
The Department of Energy has launched a new application cycle to select university partners for industrial assessments.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Manufacturing
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The Department of Energy has officially opened applications for universities to operate Industrial Training and Assessment Centers. These centers are designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing by pairing engineering faculty and students with small- and medium-sized manufacturers to identify efficiency improvements.
Why it matters
By providing technical assessments to smaller facilities, the program aims to boost industrial productivity while training the next generation of engineers. The initiative serves as a critical bridge between academic research and real-world manufacturing applications.
Since 1976, the program has generated over $1 billion in total savings for manufacturers. Participating facilities identify an average of $150,000 in annual savings through the program, which annually provides experience to more than 2,400 students.
The players
Department of Energy
This federal agency is responsible for advancing the energy, environmental, and nuclear security of the United States.
EnergyWerx
This organization partners with federal agencies to manage and facilitate technical assistance programs for industry.
The details
Engineering faculty and students perform the technical assessments to help manufacturers streamline operations and reduce energy costs. EnergyWerx manages the logistics of this program in direct partnership with the Department of Energy.
Timeline
The program began recording technical savings in 1976.
The current five-year project cycles conclude at the end of 2026.
Applications for the new term must be submitted by Oct. 30, 2026.
Market Landscape
The Industrial Training and Assessment Center program operates as a foundational public-private partnership that supports small- and medium-sized manufacturing entities. This initiative mirrors the federal strategy of leveraging academic institutions to fill technical talent gaps within the domestic industrial base.
Small- and medium-sized manufacturers may benefit from direct technical assessments that identify significant annual cost savings. Participating in these programs allows local facilities to modernize their operations and improve overall competitiveness through expert engineering support.
The takeaway
The program has provided over 169,000 recommendations to help manufacturers streamline their processes since inception. Prospective university partners should prioritize demonstrating how their engineering departments can provide actionable, cost-saving insights for regional manufacturers.
What happens next
University applicants must submit their proposals to the Department of Energy no later than Oct. 30, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about federal efforts to boost domestic industrial efficiency in the Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tedmag.
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Should the federal government provide technical assessments to assist small and medium manufacturers?
