High-performance Optimized Recycled Nuclear Isotopes for Gen IV reactors (HORNIG)

The Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E), within the U.S. Department of Energy, administers the High-performance Optimized Recycled Nuclear Isotopes for Gen IV reactors (HORNIG) funding opportunity to advance transformative energy technologies. ARPA-E is tasked with supporting high-risk, high-reward research that can create disruptive innovations in energy systems. Through this program, ARPA-E aims to catalyze the development of advanced nuclear fuel technologies that can improve energy security, reduce waste, and strengthen domestic supply chains. The HORNIG program focuses specifically on developing transuranic (TRU) fuels derived from existing U.S. nuclear material inventories. These fuels have the potential to expand the nuclear fuel supply while reducing long-term radioactive waste. The program supports coordinated research and development across multiple stages of the fuel lifecycle, including design, fabrication, testing, modeling, and qualification. Projects must demonstrate pathways to commercial deployment and align with broader goals such as reducing reliance on foreign energy sources and enabling next-generation nuclear reactors. Funding under this opportunity totals approximately 50 million dollars, with individual awards ranging from 500,000 to 7 million dollars and an anticipated 8 to 10 awards. Projects are expected to run for up to 36 months, with an anticipated performance period from December 2026 through December 2029. ARPA-E will provide funding through cooperative agreements and maintains substantial involvement in project execution, including milestone tracking and potential project restructuring based on performance. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes U.S. institutions of higher education, private companies, nonprofits, national laboratories, and individuals, though awards are made to formal entities. Applicants may apply as standalone organizations or as part of multidisciplinary teams. The program encourages collaboration across sectors and requires Category A applicants to engage a reactor developer as an end user. Foreign participation is allowed under specific conditions and may require waivers. The application process is multi փուլ and begins with a mandatory concept paper submission. Concept papers are due May 28, 2026, following an optional question period that closes May 18, 2026. Applicants who receive encouragement may submit full applications, with additional deadlines to be determined. Applications must be submitted through the ARPA-E eXCHANGE system and include multiple components such as a technical proposal, budget justification, biosketches, and disclosures. Evaluation criteria emphasize technical merit, transformative potential, team capability, and commercialization readiness. Cost sharing is generally required at a base rate of 20 percent of total project costs, though reduced requirements may apply for certain applicants such as small businesses or academic institutions. Funds may be used for research and development activities but are subject to federal cost principles and restrictions on items such as construction and foreign travel. Projects must also allocate at least 5 percent of federal funding toward technology transfer and outreach activities. The review process includes both concept paper and full application stages, with selection notifications anticipated by September 2026 and awards issued by December 2026. ARPA-E maintains strict communication protocols during the application period, requiring all inquiries to be directed through designated email channels. This opportunity is not explicitly stated as recurring and represents a targeted initiative to accelerate innovation in nuclear fuel technologies.

Focus on transformative and high-risk innovations; clearly demonstrate integration across design, fabrication, and modeling; align with commercialization pathways and engage reactor developers early