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Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives (PICASSO) is sponsored by DARPA. DARPA program to develop scalable photonic integrated circuits for breakthroughs in bandwidth, latency, and energy efficiency in computing, sensing, and signal processing with military applications.
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PICASSO: Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives | DARPA An official website of the United States Government Official websites use . mil . mil website belongs to an official U.
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PICASSO: Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures For Scalable System Objectives PICASSO: Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives What are Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures? The aim of the Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives (PICASSO) program is to revolutionize photonic integrated circuit architectures.
PICASSO seeks to expand the field’s focus from individual components to include a more holistic, circuit- and system-level orientation. This will lay the foundations for very large-scale photonic integration (VLPI), catalyzing future photonic capabilities by enabling functional expansion with predictable, system-level performance. Scaling photonic circuits is challenged by the fundamental physics of signaling with light.
As optical signals traverse long processing chains, they inevitably degrade and accumulate noise that simple amplification cannot fix. Signal fidelity is also highly sensitive to spurious wave interactions such as scattering and back-reflections, which become unmanageable in large systems.
While today’s systems mitigate these issues by converting light to electricity, this workaround negates the latency, efficiency, and bandwidth advantages inherent to photonics. PICASSO confronts these challenges by embracing a new paradigm: creating tomorrow’s photonic circuits using today’s components.
Drawing inspiration from modern electronics, in which clever circuit design overcomes the limitations of individual transistors, the program will foster innovative circuit-level strategies to achieve unprecedented system performance and stability. Microsystems Technology Office Be part of a cutting-edge research and development agency that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, in an energetic environment with excellent benefits.
Find your future with DARPA Careers 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. Research Opportunities View Programs DARPA has pushed, and will continue to push, the boundaries of technological possibility.
See the dreams we turned to reality Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency To create and prevent technological surprise for our national security Investors & Entrepreneurs Podcast (Voices from DARPA) Communications & Public Affairs Think beyond the impossible Accessibility/Section 508 Freedom of Information Act Privacy and Civil Liberties
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Businesses, universities, nonprofits, and consortia capable of prototype development under Other Transaction agreements Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $35,000,000 total program Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is March 6, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (HR001124S0028) is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Seeks revolutionary research in microsystems engineering, including novel design and fabrication for national security applications. Application snapshot: target deadline March 2, 2026; published funding information Funding amounts vary by project scope and award track.; eligibility guidance U. S. universities and other organizations. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives (PICASSO) is sponsored by DARPA. DARPA program aiming to develop circuit-level photonic integrated circuits that maintain signal fidelity and enable large-scale photonic computing without frequent optical–electrical conversion. Application snapshot: target deadline March 6, 2026; published funding information Funding amounts vary by project scope and award track.; eligibility guidance U.S.-based organizations (universities, industry, research institutions) able to perform DARPA-funded research Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
DARPA Broad Agency Announcement: Mechanisms for Amplification of fusion Reaction Rates in Solids (MARRS) is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Solicits research into solid-state nuclear fusion to develop new power and propulsion applications relevant to high-risk, high-reward national security needs. Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: MARRS: Mechanisms for Amplification of fusion Reaction Rates in Solids | DARPA An official website of the United States Government Official websites use .mil .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of War organization. Secure .mil websites use HTTPS ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. MARRS: Mechanisms For Amplification of Fusion Reaction Rates In Solids MARRS: Mechanisms for Amplification of fusion Reaction Rates in Solids Artist's concept of a hydrogen fusion reaction in a metal hydride lattice. | Source: DARPA | Alissa Eckert, MSMI Exploring Advances in Solid State Fusion The MARRS program aims to explore new theoretical predictions and new data suggesting high fusion reaction rates may be possible in relatively low-temperature solids (less than ~2,000 degrees Kelvin). Decades of hype and mismeasurement have resulted in skepticism of the near-term potential for achieving fusion at low temperatures (e.g., the “cold fusion” fiasco in 1989). However, since 2023, multiple, independent research groups have shared evidence – both theoretical and experimental data (references are in the BAA) – showing solid state fusion rates radically higher (~10 ^ 18) than predicted by earlier models. Rates are still very low in absolute terms but point to an area of exploration where meaningful progress may be made. Concurrently, advances in measurement science now enable precise quantification of fusion rates, making it much easier to accurately assess experimental outcomes. DARPA is funding MARRS as an opportunity to explore what amplification methods might be used to scale solid state fusion technology to useful rates for future applications of novel radiation sources in materials analysis and for power generation. Nuclear fusion is the process of fusing two light atomic nuclei into a heavier nucleus, which releases a tremendous amount of energy. It is the process that powers the stars, including the sun. Fusion usually occurs at incredibly high temperatures (tens or even hundreds of millions of degrees Kelvin). Many different projects to operationalize hot plasma fusion are under way around the world; it's getting closer to utility-scale viability, but costs and engineering risks remain for application of plasma fusion at utility-scale levels of power production. Work in MARRS on exploring fusion in solids is complementary to plasma fusion approaches. If solid state fusion is successful, it is expected to enable small-scale (kilowatt- or megawatt-scale), small-footprint, distributed, mobile power generation; plasma fusion is anticipated to be better suited for large (gigawatt-scale), centralized power stations. MARRS’ most important priority is to develop quantitative models based Application snapshot: target deadline March 12, 2026; published funding information Multiple awards anticipated; eligibility guidance Public and private research entities, universities, and industry partners. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Fundamental Research to Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction is sponsored by Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: Search Results Detail | Grants.gov An official website of the United States government **Official websites use .gov** A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS** A **lock** ( ) or **https://** means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. * **Grants Learning Center** * How to Apply for Grants * **Applicant Resources** * Adobe Software Compatibility * Submitting UTF-8 Special Characters * Encountering Error Messages * Grantor Standard Language * Submitting UTF-8 Special Characters * **Applicant System-To-System** * Reference Implementation * **Grantor System-To-System** * Reference Implementation * SF-424 Individual Family * SF-424 Mandatory Family * SF-424 Short Organization Family * Post-Award Reporting Forms * Country and State Lists Updates * **Manage Subscriptions** * Program Management Office * Grants.gov Maintenance Calendar View similar opportunities Fundamental Research to Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Defense Threat Reduction Agency Document Type:Grants Notice Funding Opportunity Number:HDTRA1-25-S-0001 Funding Opportunity Title:Fundamental Research to Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Opportunity Category:Discretionary Opportunity Category Explanation: Funding Instrument Type:Cooperative Agreement Grant Category of Funding Activity:Science and Technology and other Research and Development Category Explanation:It is anticipated that a majority of the actions funded from this announcement will be in the form of grants; however, other instruments such as cooperative agreements (CAs) or other transactions (OTs) for research may also be awarded from this announcement. Expected Number of Awards:10 Assistance Listings:12.351 -- Scientific Research - Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:No Last Updated Date:Jan 20, 2026 Original Closing Date for Applications:Sep 30, 2034 Current Closing Date for Applications:Sep 30, 2034 Archive Date:Oct 30, 2034 Estimated Total Program Funding:$ 500,000,000 Eligible Applicants:Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" Additional Information on Eligibility:See Section 3. “Eligibility Information”, of the BAA for full Eligibility Requirements. Agency Name:Defense Threat Reduction Agency Description:** Fundamental Research BAA Amendment 2 posted on January 15, 2026** This Amendment adds Topics B1-B6. PRE-APPLICATION WHITE PAPERS FOR THIS TOPIC**MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 11:59 PM (MIDNIGHT) EST ON 2 MARCH 2026.** White papers may not be considered if they are received after this deadline. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to review the BAA in its entirety. **Please note that ALL general correspondence for this BAA must be sent to dtra.belvoir.rd.mbx.rd-cb-frbaa25-34-a@mail.mil Thrust Area-specific correspondence must be sent to dtra.belvoir.rd.mbx.rd-cb-frbaa25-34-a@mail.mil Link to Additional Information:[](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/356612) Grantor Contact Information:If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: dtra.belvoir.rd.mbx.rd-cb-frbaa25-34-a@mail.mil Application snapshot: target deadline March 2, 2026; published funding information $100,000 - $2,000,000; eligibility guidance Unrestricted; open to universities, industry, and R&D organizations including FFRDCs. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (HR001124S0028) is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Seeks revolutionary research in microsystems engineering, including novel design and fabrication for national security applications. Application snapshot: target deadline March 2, 2026; published funding information Funding amounts vary by project scope and award track.; eligibility guidance U. S. universities and other organizations. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
AFWERX 26.1 SBIR Phase I Open Topic is sponsored by U.S. Department of the Air Force. A fast-track program for dual-use technologies with military and commercial application, ideal for AI, distributed sensors, and federated learning applications in infrastructure. Application snapshot: target deadline March 6, 2026; published funding information $75,000 - $150,000; eligibility guidance Small businesses seeking to solve Department of the Air Force challenges through commercial innovation. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
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