DOE Recognizes Advanced Manufacturing Innovator Scott Whalen with 2026 OTC/NAI Innovator of the Year Award

Los Angeles, Calif. - On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC), in partnership with the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), awarded Scott A. Whalen, Chief Scientist and Team Lead for Thermomechanical Processing at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the third annual "OTC/NAI Innovator of the Year" Award during the annual meeting of the National Academy of Inventors.

Dr. Whalen leads the development of advanced manufacturing technologies at PNNL and is best known for spearheading Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE™), a patented technology that is transforming metal manufacturing in the United States. ShAPE enables the production of high-performance materials from domestically sourced and recycled metals while reducing energy use and strengthening U.S. supply chains.

"Dr. Whalen has spent his career exploring the possibilities of materials science and engineering with an eye toward real-world impact," said Anthony Pugliese, DOE Chief Commercialization Officer and Director of the Office of Technology Commercialization. "The innovation behind ShAPE is extraordinary, but what sets Dr. Whalen apart is his ability to translate breakthrough research into technologies with clear commercial potential. His work exemplifies the innovation and commercialization spirit this award was created to recognize."

Dr. Whalen holds 23 granted U.S. patents and 13 pending patent applications. Under his leadership, ShAPE has advanced from laboratory innovation to a manufacturing platform supporting more than 20 active demonstration and commercialization projects with industry partners. Applications include recycling aluminum and titanium scrap into high-value products and developing advanced materials for energy, transportation, defense, and infrastructure applications. Multiple U.S. manufacturers are also engaged in licensing discussions to accelerate adoption of the technology.

Dr. Whalen's contributions have earned numerous recognitions, including PNNL Inventor of the Year and an R&D 100 Award for ShAPE as a breakthrough in advanced manufacturing.

The OTC/NAI Innovator of the Year Award was created to recognize DOE scientists who not only produce groundbreaking intellectual property, but also achieve meaningful commercialization outcomes. It is presented annually to one individual selected from across the DOE complex, including all 17 national laboratories and other DOE-managed sites.

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The Department of Energy (DOE) is one of the largest champions of technology transfer and commercialization in the federal government. Congress established the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) to advance this critical mission. By unlocking the tremendous potential within the Department and its 21 National Labs, plants and sites, and catalyzing private sector investment in novel technologies, OTC is driving innovation - and with it, American energy dominance and national security. Visit us at energy.gov/otc to learn more, and subscribe to receive our latest opportunities and accomplishments via email. Follow us on X and LinkedIn.

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