Apel - Applied Process Engineering Laboratory

»About APEL

Opportunities for Startup Businesses

Why was APEL started?

APEL was financed with community funds and resources matching a grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Worker and Community Transition. The intent is to create new jobs in the region through the development of new business and enterprise. This financial support makes it possible to provide APEL services at nominal rates. The university and national laboratory research staff constitute a stable base of tenants who serve as resources to users and provide long-term financial stability.

Who uses APEL?

New business startups, companies developing new products, entrepreneurs, university and national laboratory research staff, and vendors demonstrating new technologies are all housed in the various spaces. There is opportunity for collaboration and cross fertilization, as well as security and access protection to protect proprietary material.

Who sponsors APEL?

APEL is supported and sponsored by major institutions in the Tri-Cities including the Port of Benton, the Department of Energy, Energy Northwest, Washington State University, Battelle Memorial Institute and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the City of Richland , and Tri-Cities Industrial Development Council.

Energy Northwest owns and operates the APEL facility.

Tri-Cities economic development resources and links

EMSL User Facility: The new $250 million scientific user facility, Environmental Molecular Science Laboratory, is available to APEL occupants for experimental work and testing.
Battelle's Economic Development Office, EDO, provides free technical support, economic development resources and links to other local and regional organizations supporting new business startups.
Washington State University Tri-Cities, Business Links, provides business assistance in marketing and preparing business plans, and student interns.
The Tri-Cities Science and Technology Park Association provides communication, and coordination services for property owners and occupants within the park boundaries.