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DARPA's Defense Sciences Office launched the Mathematics of Boosting Agentic Communication (MATHBAC) program on April 7, 2026, under solicitation DARPA-PA-26-05. MATHBAC aims to develop the mathematical and scientific foundations needed to make networks of AI agents collaborate more effectively and ultimately accelerate the pace of scientific discovery for national defense.
The program seeks innovative research proposals that advance foundational mathematics, systems theory, and information theory required to enable and understand science-discovery by autonomous agents and agent collectives.
Researchers will develop tools to model individual AI agents as mathematical operators, analyze how different communication structures affect a team's ability to solve problems, and build software that lets researchers design optimized multi-agent communication protocols without large-scale trial and error.
Key technical areas include multi-agent communication protocols, agentic AI coordination, formal models of collective intelligence, and mathematical frameworks for agent-to-agent collaboration. The program is structured as a 34-month, two-phase effort with Phase I running approximately 16 months and capping individual awards at $2 million. A Proposers Day was held on April 21, 2026.
Abstracts were strongly encouraged by April 30, 2026 but are not mandatory. Full proposals are due June 16, 2026, with program performance expected to begin September 15, 2026.
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Search similar grants →According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Universities, research institutions, and private companies capable of conducting foundational mathematics and AI research. Proposals should demonstrate expertise in mathematics, systems theory, information theory, and/or multi-agent AI systems. All responsible sources may submit. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $2,000,000 per award for Phase I (approximately 16 months). The program is a 34-month, two-phase effort. Total program budget not disclosed. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Applications for DARPA MATHBAC Mathematics of Boosting Agentic Communication for Multi-Agent AI Scientific Discovery are due June 16, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
DARPA MATHBAC Mathematics of Boosting Agentic Communication for Multi-Agent AI Scientific Discovery is funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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