March 22, 2026 – Washington, DC – DOE Targets Building Sensor Innovation
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $50 million in funding for smart sensor research through its Building Technologies Office (BTO). The funding, part of the Advanced Building Sensor Technologies program, specifically targets innovations in occupancy sensing, including advanced PIR technologies.
The program aims to develop sensors that can reduce building energy consumption by 20-30% through improved occupancy detection and control.
Funding Details
The $50 million will be distributed over four years through:
- Research grants: $30 million for university and national laboratory research
- Commercialization awards: $15 million for industry-led development
- Demonstration projects: $5 million for field testing and validation
Proposals are due June 30, 2026, with awards expected to be announced in September 2026.
Technical Focus Areas
1. Advanced Occupancy Detection
The program seeks sensors that can reliably detect stationary occupants (people sitting at desks, reading, etc.) – a known limitation of conventional PIR sensors. Proposed solutions may include:
- High-sensitivity PIR with enhanced zone density
- Multi-spectral sensors (PIR + mmWave fusion)
- Thermopile arrays with on-device analytics
- Machine learning-enhanced PIR signal processing
2. Privacy-Preserving Sensing
Funded projects must demonstrate privacy-preserving design, meaning sensors must not capture identifiable images or data. PIR sensors are naturally well-suited to this requirement, as they detect only thermal changes, not images.
3. Self-Powered Sensors
The DOE is particularly interested in energy-harvesting sensors that can operate without batteries or wiring, reducing installation costs. This includes solar-powered PIR sensors and thermoelectric harvesters.
4. Wireless Interoperability
Funded sensors must demonstrate compatibility with open standards like Matter, BACnet, or Zigbee to enable integration with building management systems.
Expected Outcomes
The DOE projects that successful technologies could:
- Reduce commercial building lighting energy by 30%
- Cut HVAC energy use by 20% through demand-controlled ventilation
- Enable plug load control, saving an additional 10%
- Create 5,000-10,000 new jobs in sensor manufacturing and installation
- Reduce US building sector CO2 emissions by 5-10 million tons annually
Industry Response
Major sensor manufacturers have welcomed the funding announcement. “This program will accelerate the development of next-generation occupancy sensors,” said a spokesperson for Panasonic’s sensor division. “We are evaluating potential proposals that align with our PaPIRs+ technology roadmap.”
Startups are also expected to compete for funding. “This is exactly the kind of support the industry needs to move from incremental improvements to breakthrough technologies,” said the CEO of a sensor startup.
National Laboratory Involvement
Several DOE national laboratories will participate in the program, including:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (occupancy sensing research)
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (field testing)
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (standards development)
Historical Context
This is the DOE’s largest investment in building sensors since the 2010 Advanced Building Systems program. The agency notes that sensors are a critical missing piece in achieving the Biden administration’s goal of net-zero buildings by 2035.
Application Process
Proposals are being accepted through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) portal. Applicants must submit a concept paper by May 15, 2026, with full proposals due June 30.
Eligible applicants include:
- Universities and research institutions
- National laboratories
- For-profit companies (including startups)
- Non-profit organizations
- Consortia of multiple organizations
Conclusion
The DOE’s $50 million smart sensor research program represents a significant opportunity for PIR sensor innovation. By targeting the limitations of current occupancy sensors, the program could accelerate the development of next-generation devices that enable deeper energy savings in commercial buildings.