Skip to main content
ORNL researcher is sitting on a desk with his hands crossed, three screens behind him depicting work in satellites and space. Pictures on the left and right are orange in color while the middle photo is blue and reflects an image from space

From during his early years at NASA to his current role a researcher and group leader, Peter Fuhr has pushed the boundaries of optical and sensor technology. Fuhr’s path is marked by wacky creativity that can’t confine itself to challenges in a single field. No idea is too far out to try out — and so many of them work that Fuhr has a host of inventions and start-ups under his belt.

Graphic representation of three woman, pictured in black in white, representing technology transfer awards

Oak Ridge National Laboratory announced its latest cohort of technology transfer liaisons, a group of experts selected to bridge the gap between research and commercialization efforts. 

seven scientists' headshots are listed horizontally in a graphic representing the Battelle Distingished Inventors

Seven scientists affiliated with ORNL have been named Battelle Distinguished Inventors in recognition of being granted 14 or more United States patents. Since Battelle began managing ORNL in 2000, 104 ORNL researchers have reached this milestone.

microscopic ctherm biomass

Using a best-of-nature approach developed by researchers working with the Center for Bioenergy Innovation at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Dartmouth University, startup company Terragia Biofuel is targeting commercial biofuels production that relies on renewable plant waste and consumes less energy. The technology can help meet the demand for billions of gallons of clean liquid fuels needed to reduce emissions from airplanes, ships and long-haul trucks.

ORNL inventor Michael Smith, right, holds a laptop showing what Scott Greenwood, left, sees through an augmented reality headset.

Teletrix, a company specializing in radiation training tools, has transitioned from a research and development license to a commercial license for its augmented reality, or AR, platform that simulates ionizing radiation. This advanced platform was developed using technologies licensed from ORNL.

Graphic of Brian Iezzi as part of Cohort 2024

Fibarcode, founded by Brian Iezzi, develops technology that embeds a digital barcode into fibers to improve textile recycling, and as a participant in the Innovation Crossroads program at ORNL, aims to reduce the fashion industry's environmental impact by providing transparency about garment composition and origin throughout its lifecycle.

The Prysmian robot is installed on a power line before dispensing its coating

The Powerline Conductor Accelerated Testing Facility at ORNL is testing new transmission line technologies to enhance the U.S. power grid's capacity amidst rising demand and climate challenges. 

HempWool, Hempitecture’s hemp fiber batt insulation is being cut here

Hempitecture, a graduate of the Innovation Crossroads program, has been awarded $8.4 million by the DOE's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains. As part of the grant, Hempitecture will establish a facility in East Tennessee. 

Aditya Sundararajan poses for a photo outside

Aditya Sundararajan of ORNL’s Grid Systems Architecture group was elevated to senior status within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. 

Shantonio Birch, founder of ThermoVerse is pictured here

ThermoVerse and Expanding Frontiers have made strides in energy innovation by securing wins in Phase 2 of the Department of Energy’s American-Made Lab MATCH Prize, a competition designed to accelerate commercialization of national laboratory technologies.