West Gate Cohort 5 member Arzu Sandikci is working with NLR polymer engineering experts to optimize downstream monomer purification and process parameters to reduce costs in the Rhea's Factory enzymatic recycling process.

The West Gate Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) offers promising entrepreneurs a career-changing opportunity to access NLR’s expertise and capabilities to speed the development of their startup’s core technologies. Aspiring entrepreneurs aim to tackle the world's greatest energy challenges. Selected innovators' core technologies align with NREL's research mission of leading research, innovation, and strategic partnerships to deliver integrated solutions for an affordable and secure energy future. West Gate embeds innovators at NREL and pairs them with scientists who specialize in the innovators’ technology areas. Throughout our program’s two-year runway, innovators work with scientists in NREL’s world-class laboratories to de-risk their technologies, ready them for market, and grow their startup companies. West Gate benefits include: • An annual living stipend of $115,000 • Two-year technical assistance funding redeemable at NREL • Curated, individualized programming • Entrepreneurial curriculum, mentorship, and support • Healthcare and relocation stipends as needed. West Gate is the U.S. Department of Energy’s fourth Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program. West Gate is administered by NREL’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.