TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: EcoVer
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Energy (DOE), through Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), has issued a Special Notice for a Technology Licensing Opportunity for EcoVer, a novel, low-cost, and durable hydrocarbon-based membrane. This technology aims to replace toxic PFAS membranes currently used in fuel cells and electrolyzers. LANL is seeking partners for validation and commercialization. Responses are due by April 1, 2026.
Technology Overview
EcoVer is a hydrocarbon ion-conducting membrane designed to offer proton conductivity of 0.1-0.2 S/cm with remarkable chemical and mechanical properties. It is being developed as a safe, PFAS-free alternative to existing membranes, offering significantly higher chemical durability (up to 3x in lab tests) and high mechanical properties through a proprietary formula of additives.
Key Advantages
- Low CAPEX and OPEX: Reduces costs by eliminating corrosion and ensuring safety in manufacturing.
- Customizable: Easy to tune for specific customer needs.
- No Additional Operational Costs: After purchase.
- Enhanced Durability: At least 60% more chemically durable than state-of-the-art membranes, potentially increasing device lifetime.
- Chemically Safe: A PFAS-free alternative.
Market Applications & Potential
EcoVer is primarily being developed for the rapidly growing hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyzer market, where PFAS regulation is under scrutiny. The technology has the potential to disrupt the $1.3 billion PFAS membrane industry. Beyond hydrogen applications, it is suitable for AEMs, flow batteries, bio-reactors, selective ion recovery, and water treatment.
Partnership Opportunities & Next Steps
LANL is seeking partners for Cooperative Agreements, Licenses, Technical Assistance, and Start-up ventures. The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 2 (TRL 2). The next milestone involves lab-scale validation of mechanical and chemical properties by mid-May, leading to a viable Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Following this, LANL will seek partners with capabilities to validate the membrane at the stack level.
Key Details
- Agency: Department of Energy / Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Technology Licensing)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Place of Performance: Los Alamos, NM
- Response Date: April 1, 2026, 23:00 UTC
- Published Date: March 17, 2026
- Contact: Marc Witkowsi / Lindsay Augustyn, licensing@lanl.gov