Innovation at EPA

Innovation

The exploration and testing of new and potentially transformative approaches to protecting human health and the environment.
EPA SBIR Funding

Learn how EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research Program can support the development and commercialization of innovative green technology.
EPA Vision for Participatory Science

EPA envisions a future where all parts of society are increasingly engaged and empowered to help advance scientific knowledge and inform environmental protection actions.

Read Using Participatory Science at EPA: Vision and Principles.
Pathfinder Innovation Projects

Read about success stories from EPA's high-risk, high-reward research program in the Science Matters newsletter.
Read the article.

Innovation has never been more important for environmental science. EPA seeks better ways to address complex environmental challenges by engaging all parts of American society. EPA supports innovative programs that help states, tribes, and communities test new environmental strategies and promote environmental leadership on topics from environmental justice to climate change.

Innovation Programs at EPA

Challenges & Prizes Program

Challenges and prizes represent tools for EPA to find solutions by tapping into the ingenuity and creativity of crowds. EPA outlines the specifications and criteria for a problem, and the public can submit its ideas for successful solutions.

Learn more about Challenges & Prizes
People, Prosperity and the Planet

P3 is a unique competition open to teams of college/university students working to design solutions for a sustainable future. This annual research grants program challenges students to develop innovative projects that address real world challenges.

Learn more about P3
Small Business Innovation Research

EPA is one of 11 federal agencies that participate in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. EPA's program focuses on developing and commercializing innovative technologies that address the Agency's mission.

Learn more about SBIR
Participatory Science

EPA supports participatory science initiatives via developing and funding projects, creating usable apps, and providing tools and resources for people conducting their own participatory science projects.

Learn more about Participatory Science
Pathfinder Innovation Projects

Pathfinder Innovation Projects challenge EPA scientists to answer the question, "Wouldn't it be amazing if we could ... ?" The internal competition provides staff the resources to pursue high-risk, high-reward research ideas.

Learn more about PIPs
The Federal Technology Transfer Act

Learn how EPA conducts collaborative research with external partners, protects intellectual property, and licenses EPA’s technologies through the Federal Technology Transfer Act program.

Learn more about FTTA