Since 2006, MITEI has mobilized MIT researchers and students to develop practical energy solutions that address the universal need for reliable, affordable, secure, and sustainable energy. We have deployed nearly $1 billion to apply MIT's research and educational leadership to tackling this challenge.
From ideation to innovation
Behind every major breakthrough and technological innovation is an idea—one that’s been rigorously tested, refined, and often brought to life as a working prototype. Transforming our energy future starts with the creative minds of MIT researchers and students pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. MITEI facilitates this process, enabling the scientific discoveries and technological innovations that emerge from this work.
MITEI works in three critical areas: research, education, and outreach. On campus, we’re woven into the fabric of nearly every energy-related initiative at MIT—connecting faculty, students, and resources to accelerate breakthroughs. But our impact extends far beyond Cambridge. Over the years, MITEI has helped shape thousands of MIT students who now drive energy innovation across the globe—whether in industry, academia, government, or the nonprofit sector.
Research
Our research programs discover new technology, assess the technical and economic feasibility of energy systems, and address member company’s challenges related to zero- and low-carbon energy solutions.
~1,100
Research projects funded by MITEI
38
Departments, labs, and centers received support
>3,000
Graduate students and postdocs funded by MITEI
MIT Energy Initiative launches study of sustainable fuels for hard-to-decarbonize transportation
MIT experts will examine options for climate-friendly fuels for aviation, international shipping, long-haul trucking,
MITEI fusion study informs International Atomic Energy Agency’s “World Fusion Outlook 2025”
MITEI’s 2024 report, The role of fusion energy in a decarbonized electricity system, was adapted for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s publication about the evolving global fusion landscape.
MIT Energy Initiative funds six early-stage energy research projects
The newly funded Seed Innovation Fund projects aim to reduce data center energy use, guide development of fast-charging batteries, expand geothermal energy, and more.
Education
Our educational activities train the next generation of energy leaders. Our alumni create innovations and high-tech jobs, train new generations of engineers and researchers, and spawn economic activity.
>570
Energy Scholars
~1,200
Undergraduate research projects
~25,000
Annual learners in MITEI's open learning courses
MITEI’s IAP activities reach more than 500 students and community members
MITEI-supported energy-related courses and activities during MIT’s IAP from campus to Catalunya, Spain.
MIT Energy Initiative welcomes 2025-2026 Energy Scholars
Twenty new members joined the 2025-26 cohort and will conduct research advancing green hydrogen production, biomining of critical materials, and improving battery technologies.
MITEI Energy UROP students highlight their real-world impact
The Energy UROP 2025 summer cohort presented their research posters at Energizing@MIT: MITEI’s Annual Research Conference.
Outreach
Our outreach efforts engage the MIT community, energy industry leaders, and government policy makers. Our conferences, symposia, and dozens of webinars enable member companies to discuss energy topics in a non-competitive setting and to learn about state-of-the-art advances at MIT.
10
“Future of…” reports offering fact-based insights
102
Seminar speakers brought to MIT campus since 2009
55
Conferences, symposia, and colloquia since 2008
Geothermal energy turns red hot
Geothermal energy is having a moment—and MIT is helping lead the charge. At MITEI's Spring Symposium, experts mapped out a path to tap the planet’s heat-rich rocks for clean power at scale.
How the war in the Middle East is impacting global energy systems
Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency, outlined the implications of the war in the Middle East on global energy systems at MITEI’s Earth Day Colloquium.
The power of “AND” in energy and climate entrepreneurship
Georgina Campbell Flatter, the CEO of Greentown Labs, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the entrepreneurship space at a MITEI seminar.
Producing energy entrepreneurs
More than 100 energy companies have spun out by MIT during MITEI’s first 20 years. Of those companies, more than 60 have founders or leaders who were connected to us as students or postdoctoral researchers. As of September 2026, 15 MIT startups during that period are the direct result of funding from our Seed Innovation Fund Program, and nine of those companies have raised approximately a combined $965 million in financing, representing more than 25 times return on investment. Our projects have also produced more than 90 patents.
Via Separations
Based on technology developed with MITEI early-stage funding,Via Separations significantly reduces energy use in industrial separation processes.
Active Surfaces
This award-winning startup with roots at MITEI is developing lightweight, flexible, high-efficiency solar energy films designed to be used on roofs, walls, and any curved surface.
Osmoses
MITEI Energy Scholar Francesco Maria Benedetti’s startup company, Osmoses, uses gas-filtering membranes to make the production of needed chemicals and fuels more energy efficient.
Sesame Sustainability
MITEI startup Sesame Sustainability launches its first product to help industrial companies identify viable decarbonization pathways.
Swift Solar
MITEI researcher Joel Jean’s company Swift Solar demonstrates novel solar technology ready for commercial use.
Quaise Energy
Geothermal startup Quaise Energy successfully demonstrates its drilling technology based on MITEI-funded research.
Current initiatives
Energy needs continue to grow rapidly, while at the same time we are working toward deep decarbonization and striving to maintain reliable and affordable energy access. We work with researchers from across MIT as well as our industry members–from sectors spanning energy, electric power, automotive, infrastructure development, and natural resources and mining–to identify the urgent issues around which we can rally the brightest minds and greatest efforts.
Our research areas
News
See the effects of our research on the industries, technologies, and policies shaping a low-carbon future.
