Giving and partnership opportunities

Energy is for everyone

Focus areas

Energy science and technology

  • Electric vehicles and mobility
  • Carbon management
  • Energy storage
  • Al, energy, and climate
  • Energy production
  • Emerging energy technologies

Energy systems

  • Climate resilience and environmental impact
  • Grid and energy infrastructure
  • Grid-interactive, high-performance, and electrified buildings
  • Critical minerals and energy security
  • Industrial decarbonization and efficiency
  • Energy modeling

Energy policy and society

  • Public policy and regulation
  • Energy and community involvement

There is a lot of debate about how to tackle global energy crises, but not enough action. The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation goes beyond talk, propelling action by identifying, developing, and demonstrating the technologies, systems, and policies needed to address the world's most pressing energy challenges.

Carnegie Mellon's interdisciplinary culture, deep strengths in Al and data science, and robust startup ecosystem are uniquely advantageous for energy research, development, and deployment. The Scott Institute is well-positioned to leverage these strengths into real-world progress by translating the pioneering energy research at CMU into solutions and systems we urgently need.

Your support for the Scott Institute directly advances ENERGY ACTION, enabling collaborative research, strategic partnerships, policy outreach, entrepreneurship, and education that accelerate society's transition to a sustainable, net-zero energy future.

Student explains research during poster competition

Giving and partnership opportunities

There are many ways to make an impact, including multi-year gifts, annual gifts, and institute funds. Each gift makes a difference by supporting the future of energy innovation.

Create a lasting legacy

  • Elevate CMU energy leadership
    The executive director and faculty director drive the innovative excellence of the Scott Institute. By endowing one of these critical leadership roles, you support the most urgent strategic priorities of the Scott Institute in perpetuity. Inquire about naming opportunities!
  • Launch high-impact research
    Funding for the Scott Institute Seed Grant Program incubates bold ideas and the formation of new collaborations in energy research and development.
    Naming amount: $50,000 endowed minimum (partial grant)
  • Become a grand challenge partner
    Forge a Grand Challenge with the Scott Institute to address major cross-disciplinary questions that advance decarbonization and resilience of our energy systems.
    Partnership amount: $250,000 per year for three years

Support at any level

  • Empower Energy Entrepreneurs
    The Scott Institute Entrepreneurship Award is invested directly in a CMU founder's startup company to help translate cleantech innovations from research to market.
  • Inspire future energy leaders
    Support our Distinguished Lecture Series to ensure we can bring leading experts and diverse voices to campus to share ideas with our community.
  • Support passionate energy students
    Place our student leaders at the center of energy action and innovation by enabling their travel to and participation in research conferences, accelerator programs, and field studies.
Collage of students and faculty speaking at annual Energy Week conference

Join us in taking action

Make a gift in any amount to the Scott Institute Fund today

For more information about giving opportunities, contact:

  • Mara Kudrick - Interim Chief Advancement Officer, College of Engineering
    • 412-268-2977
    • kmara@cmu.edu

Energy Week puts CMU and energy in the national spotlight

Sponsorship Opportunities Available - $3,000 to $15,000

Hosted by the Scott Institute, CMU Energy Week convenes energy and sustainability leaders from across the nation. Through panels, forums, and networking events, Energy Week empowers attendees, ranging from graduate students preparing startup pitches and renowned energy experts to investors and civic leaders looking for innovative solutions, sparking meaningful dialogue and collaboration to solve humanity's most urgent energy problems.