Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

As we mark the 100-year anniversary of the birth of #quantum mechanics, DARPA is continuing to push the boundaries of quantum science – literally. DARPA’s Intensity-Squeezed Photonic Integration for Revolutionary Detectors (INSPIRED) program is currently working to break through the quantum noise barrier by harnessing squeezed light – a quantum phenomenon that allows for ultra-precise measurements. By developing chip-scale squeezed-light sources 40 times quieter than the quantum noise limit, INSPIRED aims to unlock breakthroughs in sensing, communications, and beyond. Learn more about INSPIRED here: https://lnkd.in/eWvRsm87

True innovation isn’t about incremental improvements – it’s about redefining what’s possible. In our latest Voices from DARPA episode, Dr. Whitney Mason, Director of DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office (MTO), discusses how MTO is pushing beyond traditional microelectronics by embracing unconventional ideas. She explores how this approach has the potential to lead to truly transformative advances, powered by technologies that are not only smaller and faster, but also smarter, more resilient, and capable of entirely new possibilities. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eAd4kbBg

The Computational Imaging Detection and Ranging (CIDAR) Challenge is open for registration and white paper submissions! We’re looking for teams ready to take on a DARPA-hard problem: bringing together three critical dimensions – spatial, spectral, and temporal data – into one cohesive imaging system. This is your chance to push the boundaries of what cameras can capture. Small businesses and universities: In addition to the main competition prizes, you’re also eligible for five $200k prizes for top-quality white papers! Submit yours by March 21 for consideration to CIDAR_Challenge@darpa.mil. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dwa8ydFi

#Nature provides inspiration for many advanced robotic technologies — think of quadruped or biped robots that are being applied in a variety of commercial and defense applications. Even as synthetic — or abiotic — robotic systems become increasingly sophisticated, their system-level performance cannot match the performance of their biological counterparts. Recent advancements in — coupled with the convergence of — engineering and biology have propelled the development of biohybrid robots, which combine biological and synthetic components.      Our Hybridizing Biology and Robotics through Integration for Deployable Systems (HyBRIDS) Advanced Research Concepts (ARC) topic aims to answer this question: How can synthetic and biological components be integrated to enable biohybrid platforms that outperform traditional robotic systems?      Send us your abstracts with bold, innovative ideas as soon as possible. (Latest date to submit is April 7, 2025). Visit the following HyBRIDS page for link to the full HyBRIDS solicitation:    https://lnkd.in/dCZF33eJ      #Biohybrid #Bioengineering #Biorobotics  #LivingMachines    About ARC: DARPA’s ARC program rapidly solicits and explores a high volume of promising new ideas for limited-scope investments. Projects focus on answering high-risk/high-reward questions and assessing the impact of further investment on problems of importance to the Department of Defense. Use of animal subjects in the proposed research is prohibited. To learn more about all open ARC topics, visit www.darpa.mil/ARC *Edited to define what ARC is

We’re working with the US Geological Survey to develop new technology that significantly accelerates assessing the nation’s critical mineral resources. Our collaboration focuses on machine-learning tools that accelerate time-consuming parts of USGS data interpretation and critical mineral assessments. The result is shrinking a process that once took years to complete into days. The USGS’s critical mineral assessments are at the heart of our domestic supply and production of critical minerals. They’re used to quantify potential mineral sources from existing domestic mines, whether historical or active, and help identify opportunities for economically and environmentally viable resource development – ultimately reducing risks in the U.S. supply chain. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/efUrtzCB #USGS #MachineLearning #CriticalMinerals

Attention, DARPA Service Chiefs’ Fellowship Program (SCFP) Alumni! Join us for the second annual DARPA SCFP Reunion this March 13 in the D.C. area. For additional information and registration details, sign up for the SCFP Alumni email distribution list by sending your name, email address, and SCFP cohort date to SCPAlumni@darpa.mil. Once verified, we will add you to our contact list and share relevant news and updates.

DARPA demos will test novel tech for building future large structures in space. Manufacturing experiment will move from the lab to in-orbit evaluation. If demos are successful, technology could be scaled up, paving the way for an in-space manufacturing ecosystem: https://lnkd.in/d_a4kvuR

🚨 AI on the Battlefield: Are We Ready? 🚨 AI shows great promise in transforming military decision-making by improving speed and accuracy. But are AI-enabled systems resilient against adversarial threats? From data poisoning to model-stealing attacks, the risks are real, and operational security gaps remain. Enter Securing AI for Battlefield Effective Robustness (SABER), our new program aimed at building an AI red team capable of testing and securing battlefield AI systems. SABER will focus on ground and aerial systems, developing cutting-edge tools for operational assessments. 🛡️ Goal: Ensure AI-enabled systems are battle-ready and resilient against adversarial threats. 📢 Register for Proposers Day: For those interested in proposing to SABER, the deadline to register for the Proposers Day is February 25 at 5:00 p.m. ET. More info: https://lnkd.in/dFdb7WNA #DARPA #AI #CyberSecurity #DefenseInnovation #AdversarialAI

We’re just a few short months away from RSA Conference 2025. Will you be there? We will! We’re bringing the AI Cyber Challenge (AIxCC) Experience to RSAC 2025. The AIxCC Experience will feature Northbridge, a fictional city showcasing AI-driven cybersecurity's importance to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure and will highlight the accomplishments of AIxCC. We’ll also explore the stakes of securing critical systems as we look ahead to the Final Competition later this year. Join us at RSA Conference to see firsthand how AIxCC is accelerating AI-powered cyber defense. For more on the AI Cyber Challenge, please visit: aicyberchallenge.com #AI #RSAconference #cybersecurity

Wound infections are common combat injuries and can take otherwise able-bodied personnel out of operations and/or result in severe medical complications. Our BioElectronics to Sense and Treat (BEST) program seeks to develop wearable, automated technologies that can predict and prevent a wound infection before it can occur, and to eliminate an infection if it has already taken hold. To achieve this, BEST performers will aim to develop novel bioelectronic smart bandages comprised of wound infection sensor and treatment modules. For more information on the February 19th BEST Proposers Day please visit: https://lnkd.in/eXwQEGk8 #CombatMedicine #HealthcareInnovation #MedicalTechnology