DARPA-PS-26-13 is a solicitation from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for the Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives (PICASSO) program. The program seeks innovative proposals for very large-scale photonic circuits that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to existing practice is specifically excluded. Total funding is $35,000,000 across multiple awards. The solicitation is classified under National Defense R&D Services for applied research (NAICS 541715). The competition is full and open, with eligible applicants including universities, nonprofits, and for-profit companies. The proposal deadline was March 6, 2026. The solicitation includes a Controlled Unclassified Information addendum with key technical details.

Guardian (DARPA-PS-26-17) is a grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that funds development of genetic drive technologies (GDT) to controllably eliminate invasive species from defined areas, with primary focus on New World Screwworm and Brown Tree Snake in Guam. The program comprises three Technical Areas: GDT development and modeling (Phase 1, 18 months), contained laboratory and greenhouse testing (Phase 2, 18 months), and accelerated cell culture methods for studying gene drives. Research must address genetic precision, counter-measure design, and regulatory fieldability requirements. Applications were due by 7 April 2026. Eligible applicants include organizations meeting NAICS code 541714 under full and open competition, up to 1,000 employees.

Compositional Learning-And-Reasoning for AI Complex Systems Engineering (CLARA) is a grant from the DARPA Defense Sciences Office that funds research integrating formal reasoning with machine learning to build robust, high-assurance AI systems for complex engineering challenges. The program, classified as a Disruption Opportunity, targets fundamental advances in AI that can be applied to national defense applications. Eligible applicants include universities, research organizations, and small businesses. Award amounts are not specified in the solicitation, and the application deadline is April 10, 2026.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office issued solicitation DARPA-PA-25-07-02 for the Compositional Learning-And-Reasoning for AI Complex Systems Engineering (CLARA) program on February 10, 2026. CLARA aims to develop high-assurance AI systems that tightly integrate machine learning (ML) and automated reasoning (AR) through hierarchical composition of Bayesian models, neural networks, and logic programs. The program seeks to create a theory-driven, highly reusable, scalable foundation for high-assurance AI by merging machine learning's speed and flexibility with automated reasoning's verifiability and logical explainability. Technical Area 1 (TA1) focuses on developing new high-assurance ML/AR composition approaches including theory, algorithms, and open-source software implementations. Technical Area 2 (TA2) creates a software composition library to integrate validated TA1 tools into a common framework. Application domains include course-of-action planning, multi-condition medical guidance, supply chain and logistics, autonomous systems and command & control, wargaming, and science and technology design. Awards are expected to be executed by June 9, 2026. Proposals must be submitted via the DARPA BAA Tool at baa.darpa.mil.

DARPA CLARA (Compositional Learning-And-Reasoning for AI Complex Systems Engineering) is a grant from the DARPA Defense Sciences Office that funds research to overcome fundamental limitations in today's AI systems. Current ML-centric approaches tack specialized automated reasoning onto large language models, producing systems with weak assurance; CLARA seeks to develop genuinely compositional architectures that integrate learning and reasoning from the ground up for high-assurance, explainable AI in complex systems engineering applications. Eligible applicants include U.S. universities, research organizations, and small businesses. Proposals are due by April 10, 2026.

Compositional Learning-And-Reasoning for AI Complex Systems Engineering (CLARA) is a grant from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that funds fundamental research to develop high-assurance artificial intelligence by tightly integrating automated reasoning (AR) and machine learning (ML) components. Unlike the dominant industry approach of adding specialized AR systems onto large language models, CLARA seeks to create hierarchical, fine-grained, and highly transparent compositions of Bayesian methods, neural networks, and logic programs. The program aims to deliver verifiability based on AR proofs with strong logical explainability and computational tractability, scalable even to complex systems of systems. Defense application areas include kill web, supply chain and logistics, wargaming, autonomous systems, command and control, and medical, financial, and legal domains. An information session was held in April 2026.

DARPA Lift Challenge is a competition from the DARPA Tactical Technology Office that funds groundbreaking drone designs capable of achieving unprecedented payload-to-weight ratios. With a $6.5 million prize pool, this challenge tasks competitors with building a drone weighing 55 pounds or less that can carry the highest possible payload relative to its weight, aiming to shatter the current 1:1 payload-to-weight barrier limiting today's multirotor drones. Open to U.S. persons and U.S.-registered entities—including university labs, small businesses, large corporations, and military services—this competition seeks to redefine vertical lift aviation for both military and civilian applications. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 2026, with flight windows assigned in order of acceptance.

The DARPA Lift Challenge is a $6.5 million competition seeking groundbreaking drone designs that solve vertical heavy lift aviation's payload-to-weight ratio problem. DARPA challenges U.S. innovators from universities, small businesses, large corporations, garage workshops, and military organizations to design a drone weighing 55 pounds or less that achieves the highest possible payload-to-weight ratio and completes a demanding competition course. Today's multirotor drones are limited by payload-to-weight ratios of approximately 1:1; the challenge aims to dramatically exceed this barrier. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with earlier applicants receiving priority flight windows. Teams may include international members, though the official representative must be a U.S. person or U.S.-registered entity. Prize amounts up to $22,000 are available, with applications open through May 2026.

Cyber Physical Systems Executing in Real Time (CyPhER Forge) is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This solicitation targets artificial intelligence for next-generation Test & Evaluation (T&E) using physics-informed digital twins and AI-based test agents. The program emphasizes developing knowledge-maximizing, safety-assuring AI test agents to advance T&E capabilities.

DARPA Defense Sciences Office Office-Wide BAA (HR001125S0013) is a broad agency announcement from DARPA's Defense Sciences Office (DSO) that funds innovative basic and applied research in the physical, engineering, and life sciences with national security relevance. The solicitation accepts proposals across DSO's full research portfolio, including areas such as materials science, mathematics, biological systems, and emerging technologies. Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, and small businesses. Proposals are due by June 2, 2026. Contract opportunity type is a solicitation under Product Service Code AC11 (National Defense R&D Services - Basic Research). APEX Accelerators are available to assist small businesses with the application process at no cost.

DARPA Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-Wide BAA is a broad agency announcement from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Defense Sciences Office that funds innovative, high-risk research leading to revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems with national security applications. DSO focuses on the physical sciences, mathematics, biosciences, and engineering, seeking breakthroughs that underpin entirely new defense capabilities. Proposals may be submitted at any time under this open, continuously evaluated solicitation. All responsible sources—including universities, industry, and nonprofits—are eligible to apply. There is no specified award ceiling; funding is commensurate with the scope of proposed research. The solicitation is open through June 2, 2026.

DARPA Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-Wide BAA is a broad agency announcement from DARPA's Defense Sciences Office that funds innovative research enabling revolutionary advances in science, devices, and systems for national security applications. The program seeks proposals investigating fundamentally new approaches across a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines — the only exclusion is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to existing systems. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based universities, research organizations, and small businesses. This is an open-topic, standing solicitation under DARPA Assistance Listing 12.910, with proposals accepted on a rolling basis through June 2, 2026.

DARPA Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (HR001125S0013) seeks proposals that investigate innovative approaches enabling revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems for national security applications. DSO explicitly excludes research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice, instead seeking paradigm-shifting breakthroughs. The office covers a broad range of scientific disciplines including mathematics, computation and algorithms, physical sciences, materials science, and novel AI approaches grounded in scientific fundamentals. DSO programs often address foundational challenges in AI such as learning theory, reasoning under uncertainty, physics-informed machine learning, and computational neuroscience approaches to AI. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis through June 2, 2026. Funding instruments include cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, and other mechanisms.

DARPA Tactical Technology Office BAA is a broad agency announcement from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that invites proposals for innovative research and technology development that fall outside the scope of currently active program-specific solicitations. Open to all responsible sources, the BAA is posted to SAM.gov and refreshed annually with a deadline of June 2026. All DARPA technical offices maintain their own dedicated BAAs to capture cutting-edge ideas at every stage of development. This office-wide mechanism is intended for proposals that do not fit neatly into existing programs, making it an important entry point for novel concepts in defense-relevant science and engineering that could eventually shape future DARPA programs.

The DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001125S0011 solicits innovative executive summaries and proposals to demonstrate revolutionary defense platforms systems and manufacturing approaches that enhance the nation's ability to rapidly build adapt and sustain force structures. Focus areas include Design Build Buy using innovative approaches throughout the system lifecycle and Surge and Sustain for defense manufacturing. The Disruptive Innovation area includes low-cost autonomous systems that can use mass to overwhelm defensive systems. TTO develops technologies that give warfighters decisive advantages including autonomous ground air and maritime systems AI-enabled tactical decision-making and rapid prototyping of defense platforms. This is distinct from other DARPA office-wide BAAs covering DSO I2O and BTO as TTO focuses specifically on tactical autonomous systems and defense platform innovation.

Broad Agency Announcement HR0011226S0003 is a grant from the DARPA Biological Technologies Office (BTO) that seeks innovative research proposals leveraging biological properties and processes to enhance warfighter protection and mission readiness. BTO focuses on harnessing advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning to drive transformative science across the biological spectrum. Areas of interest include materials, sensors, and processing; agricultural and environmental applications; security, safety, and surveillance; and biomedical and biodefense solutions. The office develops diagnostic systems for chemical and biological threat identification, medical countermeasures, and novel approaches to tactical care, warfighter performance, and recovery. BTO also invests in biological manufacturing, resilient supply chains, and innovative sensors. Abstracts are accepted on a rolling basis through September 30, 2026. Multiple organization types are eligible, excluding FFRDCs, UARCs, and government entities, though non-U.S. entities may apply.

DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO) BAA HR001126S003 seeks revolutionary research proposals that leverage AI and machine learning in biological research. Key focus areas include AI/ML-driven biological modeling, foundation models combining biological and chemical data, virtual testbeds and synthetic data for predictive capabilities, combat casualty care, human performance optimization, novel materials and sensors, agricultural and environmental solutions, biosecurity and biodefense threat detection, and advanced data analytics for pathogen surveillance. The BAA emphasizes transformative solutions rather than incremental improvements, aiming to protect warfighters through biological innovation enhanced by artificial intelligence. Released October 1, 2025, the BAA accepts abstracts and proposals on a rolling basis.

DARPA's Information Innovation Office (I2O) released its FY2026 Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001126S0001 seeking groundbreaking research proposals in information science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and complex software systems. The total anticipated funding across FY2025-2029 is $35,880,000, subject to availability. I2O focuses on four key thrust areas: (1) Proficient AI technologies that are trustworthy, ethically aligned, and capable of interacting competently with humans; (2) Resilient, adaptable, and secure software and complex systems; (3) Offensive and defensive cybersecurity and privacy innovations; and (4) Technologies that enhance fighting in the information domain. The BAA serves as the primary mechanism for researchers and organizations to propose revolutionary ideas to I2O outside of specific program solicitations. Abstracts are due November 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET, with full proposals accepted on a rolling basis. This BAA is refreshed annually and enables DARPA to identify transformative research opportunities that may not fit within existing programmatic boundaries. Submissions are evaluated on overall scientific and technical merit, potential contribution to DARPA's mission, and cost realism.

DARPA Information Innovation Office BAA is a grant opportunity from DARPA that funds basic and applied research and development proposals falling within the Information Innovation Office's current technical areas of interest. The office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is the primary vehicle for R&D funding and is refreshed annually to reflect DARPA's evolving national security priorities. Researchers are encouraged to propose ideas that may fall outside current program priorities but have potential value to national security. Awards may be structured as contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements. Eligible applicants include all responsible sources—academic institutions, commercial firms, nonprofits, and government laboratories. Individual award amounts vary from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, with a deadline of November 1, 2026.

Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 is a grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) designed to rigorously evaluate whether quantum computing approaches can achieve utility-scale operation — meaning their computational value exceeds their cost — by 2033. The program is not a competition; DARPA aims to evaluate all viable approaches within available funding. Performers progress through three stages: Stage A involves describing a plausible utility-scale quantum computer concept, Stage B requires a detailed R&D plan with risk mitigation prototypes, and Stage C involves DARPA-led verification and validation of the proposed concept. The application deadline is November 14, 2026.

DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (HR001125S0011) solicits innovative proposals for revolutionary platforms and systems across four thrust areas: Design/Build/Buy (rapid prototyping and manufacturing of defense systems), Surge and Sustain (scaling production and maintaining systems), Long Range Effects (extended reach weapons and capabilities), and Disruptive Innovation (including low-cost autonomous systems that can use mass to overwhelm defensive systems). The BAA seeks compelling hardware demonstrations at scales that show disruptive capability while managing complexity and reducing risk and cost. Executive summaries are accepted on a rolling basis through April 17, 2026, with full proposals accepted through December 22, 2026. This office focuses on unmanned systems, autonomous vehicles, AI-enabled tactical platforms, and novel system architectures. The FY2026 defense budget earmarks $13.4 billion for AI and autonomous systems.

The DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) creates technological surprise and provides new options for national security, by demonstrating revolutionary platforms and systems with cutting-edge technology. TTO demonstrates compelling hardware at scales that demonstrate disruptive capability, with designs that reduce risk and cost by managing complexity, and which can be manufactured responsively and affordably. TTO is soliciting innovative executive summaries and proposals that enhance the nation’s ability to rapidly build, adapt and sustain force structures with the following focus areas: Design/Build/Buy, Surge and Sustain, Long Range Effects, and Disruptive Innovation. Funding Opportunity Number: HR001125S0011. Assistance Listing: 12.910. Funding Instrument: CA,G,O,PC. Category: ST.

Strategic Technology Office Innovation Solutions Opening (DARPA-PS-26-09) is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA funds revolutionary research in AI, autonomy, sensing, robotics, space systems, and defense innovation through this Innovation Solutions Opening. DARPA's SBIR/STTR programs generally fund projects in phases, with Phase I focusing on scientific and technical merit and feasibility, and Phase II continuing the effort.

DARPA STO Innovation Solutions Opening for AI and Autonomy is a broad, open-topic solicitation from DARPA's Strategic Technology Office (STO) that funds revolutionary research proposals not addressed by existing STO programs. Abstract proposals are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis through October 31, 2027. Typical award sizes range from $500,000 to $10,000,000, scaled to project scope. Eligible applicants include commercial companies, startups, universities, and research institutions — both U.S. and non-U.S. — as well as all other responsible sources. Priority topic areas include applied artificial intelligence, autonomy and control algorithms, distributed autonomy and teaming, electromagnetic warfare, directed energy, radar and adaptive arrays, space sensors and architectures, undersea technology, and very low earth orbit systems. Proposers are encouraged to contact STO program managers before submitting.

The DARPA Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2026 program (DARPARA2502) identifies and engages rising stars in junior faculty positions at U.S. academic institutions to develop the next generation of academic scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in key disciplines relevant to national security. Each award includes a 24-month base period (up to $500,000), a 12-month option period (up to $500,000), and an optional U.S. person graduate student support component (up to $350,000), totaling up to $1.35 million. FY2026 AI-relevant topics include interpretable reinforcement learning, logical AI, AI knowledge representation, and other areas spanning quantum sensing, autonomy, and materials science. The program spans multiple DARPA offices including I2O, DSO, MTO, STO, and TTO.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is a grant from DARPA that serves as the agency's primary mechanism for funding basic and applied research and development programs. Open to universities, industry, and consortia, the BAA invites researchers to propose ideas aligned with DARPA's national security mission. Each of DARPA's technical offices maintains a dedicated office-wide BAA, refreshed annually, outlining current areas of interest. Awards can take the form of contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements, with funding amounts varying widely by project scope. Submission is through the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov). No award is guaranteed.

DARPA ANCILLARY Program is sponsored by DARPA. Seeks robust AI/ML for autonomous collaborative swarms in uncertain environments, applicable to wildfire drone operations. This program should be reviewed carefully against your organization's mission, staffing capacity, timeline, and compliance readiness before you commit resources to a full application. Strong submissions usually translate sponsor priorities into concrete objectives, clear implementation milestones, and measurable public benefit. For planning purposes, treat rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows as your working submission target unless the sponsor publishes an updated notice. A competitive project plan should include a documented need statement, implementation approach, evaluation framework, risk controls, and a realistic budget narrative. Even when a grant allows broad program design, reviewers still expect credible evidence that the proposed work can be executed within the grant period and with appropriate accountability. Current published award information indicates Varies, multimillion contracts Organizations should verify the final funding range, matching requirements, and allowability rules directly in the official opportunity materials before preparing a budget. Finance and program teams should align early so direct costs, indirect costs, staffing assumptions, procurement timelines, and reporting obligations all remain consistent throughout drafting and post-award administration. Eligibility guidance for this opportunity is: US organizations, universities, companies If your organization has partnerships, subrecipients, or collaborators, define responsibilities and compliance ownership before submission. Reviewers often look for implementation credibility, so letters of commitment, prior performance evidence, and a clear governance model can materially strengthen the application narrative and reduce concerns about delivery risk. A practical approach is to begin with a focused readiness review, then build a workback schedule from the sponsor deadline. Confirm required attachments, registration dependencies, and internal approval checkpoints early. This reduces last-minute issues and improves submission quality. For the most accurate requirements, always rely on the official notice and primary source links associated with DARPA ANCILLARY Program.

Office-Wide BAA: TTO (Tactical Technology Office) is a broad agency announcement from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office that funds research and development aimed at creating technological surprise and providing new national security options through revolutionary platforms and systems. TTO focuses on demonstrating compelling hardware at scales that show disruptive capability while managing complexity and enabling responsive, affordable manufacturing. Priority focus areas include Design/Build/Buy, Surge and Sustain, Long Range Effects, and Disruptive Innovation. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the government's requirements are eligible to submit executive summaries and proposals. Award amounts are not specified and are commensurate with proposed scope. The solicitation closes June 22, 2026.

DARPA Strategic Technology Office (STO) Solicitation is a grant from DARPA that funds research and development of innovative and disruptive technologies to strengthen U.S. military and national security capabilities. DARPA STO seeks proposals across experimental development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, classified under product service code AC13 for national defense R&D. The program is open to industry, academia, and government proposers and covers a broad range of research areas related to trusted, disruptive capabilities for military advantage. Proposals are accepted via Grants.gov electronic submission. Applicants must be registered in SAM and should allow up to four weeks for initial registration. Award amounts vary by project scope.

Young Faculty Award (YFA) is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA's YFA program aims to identify and engage rising stars in junior research positions in academia and equivalent positions at non-profit research institutions, particularly those without prior DARPA funding, to expose them to Department of Defense (DoD) needs and DARPA's mis…