AI Research Grants (DARPA)

AI Research Grants (DARPA) is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA funds advanced AI research in areas like machine learning and autonomous systems as part of its AI Next campaign. This includes pioneering the next generation of AI algorithms and applications, such as 'explainability' and common sense reasoning.

Department of War organization. Structured for innovation Nimble by design, our portfolio includes fixed-term programs as well as challenges, seedlings, explorations, initiatives, and technology transition efforts. Our focus is on high-risk, high-reward R&D to maintain a technological advantage for the United States.

Every program begins by answering eight questions – a rubric known as the Heilmeier Catechism – to determine whether the risk is worth taking. This approach empowers DARPA to respond to constant change in the national security landscape while simultaneously capitalizing on – and driving – emergent advancements in science and technology.

Scientific exchange and dissemination of research Consistent with national policy and DOD Directives, DARPA fully supports scientific exchange. Our fundamental research awards are free from publication restrictions, export controls, and citizenship requirements.

We also place no restrictions on unclassified research assigned to subcontractors if the prime contractor and research performer determine the activity to be fundamental research, subject to certification by the contracting component. Each solicitation and award announcement states explicitly whether the activity constitutes fundamental research.

We do apply restrictions when necessary to safeguard national security, including preventing the disclosure of the performance characteristics of military systems as well as manufacturing technologies that are unique and critical to defense. Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications (ELSI) of emerging technologies Our leaders and staff are deeply committed to the responsible development of emerging technologies.

With support from our ELSI Visiting Scholar, program managers and research performers actively engage potential end users and the public during the program development process. This helps ensure that all implications are considered. We bring together scientists, engineers, and tinkerers across the innovation ecosystem to push the bounds of technological possibility.

Opportunities to engage include R&D programs and efforts, challenge competitions, and technology transition efforts. | See all DARPA opportunities Our research programs are finite in duration, but the revolutionary advancements they drive create lasting change. Learn more about recent and ongoing efforts across our key thrust areas.

| See all DARPA programs Our program managers are visionary leaders whose experience spans industry, government, and academia. They conceive, plan, and oversee the high-risk R&D efforts for which we are best known. | Meet our program managers Our six technical offices put DARPA’s mission into action.

Their leaders and program managers plan and execute a constantly evolving portfolio of research programs, challenges, and transition activities. Biological Technologies Office Information Processing Techniques Office Strategic Technology Office Tactical Technology Office Our approach rewards visionary thinking, ambitious risk-taking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. See how we do it.

Created in response to the launch of Sputnik in 1957, DARPA stands as our nation’s commitment to never again face a strategic technical surprise. What comes next is limited only by the imagination. DARPA operates on the principle that generating big rewards requires taking big risks.

But how does the Agency determine what risks are worth taking? As the world changes dramatically – and even the pace of change itself increases – DARPA seeks to engage the best ideas across specialties, communities, and perspectives to solve the greatest national security challenges on the horizon.