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"Protein ENGineering (PENG) (DARPA-PS-26-129)" is currently closed and not accepting applications.
Protein ENGineering (PENG) (DARPA-PS-26-129) is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA is soliciting proposals related to Protein ENGineering (PENG). This program seeks innovative research in this area to advance national security objectives.
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DARPA – Protein Engineering (PENG) – DARPA-PS-26-129 DARPA – Protein Engineering (PENG) – DARPA-PS-26-129 DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office seeks innovative proposals for the development of a multi-functional, target-agnostic platform for precise, programmable editing of endogenous proteins. The PENG program seeks to transform proteome engineering from a collection of isolated, bespoke tools into a universal, software-defined discipline.
PENG will establish a comprehensive, integrated platform composed of modular targeting, generalizable effector chemistries, and multiplexed control systems. Rather than developing isolated, target-specific tools, performers will integrate novel splicing, ligation, and co-translational techniques to directly recognize, modify, and rewrite endogenous proteins within complex biological architectures.
Performers may explore multiple technical paths, progressively advancing their approaches from foundational validation to robust demonstrations of efficacy. Ultimately, this integrated platform will be validated in high-fidelity cellular models (eg organoids), to provide an integrated proof-of-concept at the tissue level.
Performers will be expected to deliver a fully integrated editing prototype platform capable of executing multiplexed, on-demand modifications to endogenous proteins.
The culminating prototype deliverable will be a validated system that provides tunable, reversible, and context-dependent control over physiological functions, achieving transient, mechanism-based therapeutic outcomes without requiring permanent genomic modifications or relying on pharmacological approaches.
The prototype platform should demonstrate robust adaptability and rapid programmability against diverse, previously unannounced protein targets and achieve multiple point-specific, measurable and functional outcomes in complex tissue models and animal models.
PENG is a 42-month, multi-phase effort: Phase 1A (Base): Platform Foundations – 18 months – establishment of foundational biochemistry; validation of platforms using self-selected protein targets; successfully edit targets spanning at least 3 distinct structural protein families (eg globular, transmembrane, fibrous proteins). Abstract proposals are due 24 August 2026 .
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According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Proposals are invited from universities, industry, and government laboratories. DARPA emphasizes novel, non-incremental approaches capable of producing breakthrough capabilities. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The published deadline was August 24, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
Protein ENGineering (PENG) (DARPA-PS-26-129) is funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). 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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