Argonne and DOE Launch Manufacturing Innovation Collaborative to Accelerate U.S. Production — Argonne National Laboratory

Event summary

Argonne National Laboratory launched the National Science-at-Scale Collaborative on June 10, 2026, to accelerate U.S. manufacturing innovation.
The initiative is supported by the DOE’s Office of Critical Materials and Energy Innovation (CMEI) and involves industry, government, and national laboratories.
Argonne will leverage advanced computer modeling, AI, rapid synthesis tools, and pilot-scale manufacturing systems to help companies scale new production processes.
An industry roundtable chaired by CMEI preceded the announcement, involving leaders from the chemical and critical materials sectors.

The big picture

The National Science-at-Scale Collaborative aligns with broader U.S. efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign critical materials. By bridging research and commercial production, the initiative aims to position American manufacturers as leaders in next-generation energy technologies. The involvement of major players like Exxon Mobil and Dow underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration in a globally competitive landscape.

What we're watching

Industry Adoption: How quickly industry partners will integrate Argonne’s advanced tools into their production processes.
Government Support: Whether sustained DOE funding will ensure the collaborative’s long-term viability.
Global Competitiveness: The pace at which the U.S. can close the gap with international competitors in critical materials and chemical manufacturing.