The Basic Energy Science to St. Thomas Applied Renewable Technologies (BEST START) program is a joint effort between the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory, the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, and the Energetics Technology Center. Within this partnership, ETC serves as the central integrator; designing, building, and managing the innovation ecosystem that connects research, industry, and end users.

BEST START provides the crucial support businesses need to rapidly bring mission critical technologies to the battlefield, including smart grid technologies, renewable energy applications, advanced power generation and solutions for energy storage, with the purpose of accelerating development of energy technologies in the private sector and fast-track their prototypes to market.

Through the BEST START program, seven companies were selected to receive funding and support to advancing their innovative energy technologies, working across key areas of energy innovation and system resilience.

ETC drives the program’s execution by expanding the energy technology ecosystem and developing a skilled workforce to accelerate the transition of emerging energy solutions into real-world applications. These efforts directly support the Army’s goals of improving energy resiliency and enhancing tactical self-sufficiency.

A key component of ETC’s role is translating complex technical developments into accessible, actionable insights. Through the BEST START Digest, ETC curates and delivers regular updates on emerging technologies, ensuring stakeholders remain informed.

Through ecosystem development and strategic communications, ETC ensures BEST START accelerates the development and commercialization of energy technologies to help the Army improve energy resiliency and tactical self-sufficiency.