Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Since 1958, DARPA has held to an enduring mission: To create technological surprise for U.S. national security. Working with innovators inside and outside government, we have delivered on that mission many times over – transforming the seemingly impossible into world-changing defense and national security capabilities. Often, DARPA innovations also become fixtures of modern civilian life. Created in response to the launch of Sputnik in 1957, DARPA stands as our nation’s commitment to never again face a strategic technical surprise. Unlike other agencies, DARPA is not satisfied with incremental advances. We push transformational breakthroughs – innovations that not only solve current challenges but also establish the U.S. as the leading driver of strategic technological invention. DARPA programs focus on the fundamental research required to establish proof of concept. Performer teams define the path for putting new technologies into use in service of our nation’s warfighters, and transition partners lead the work of implementation, technology transfer, and commercialization. **Transforming military and civilian realities** Our results speak for themselves. We’ve created game-changing military capabilities – precision weapons, stealth technology, nerve implants that return sensation to warriors who have lost limbs, and more – that stand as a marvel to militaries around the globe. Our innovations have also transformed civilian society, leading to the Internet as we know it today, automated voice recognition and language translation, GPS receivers small enough to fit in consumer devices, and early investments in mRNA vaccine technology. We do this by fueling an innovation ecosystem that engages academic, industry, and government partners. By fostering a nurturing environment, we empower diverse collaborators to succeed faster. **The DARPA difference** The secret to our success lies in the skill and tenacity of our program managers and our unique funding approaches. These are extraordinary individuals who lead their fields and are hungry to push the limits of their disciplines. They define their programs, setting the course for research performers to deliver revolutionary concepts, foundational discoveries, and tactical innovations. Constantly probing for the next big thing, program managers reach across scientific and engineering disciplines to uncover new challenges and potential solutions at the seams. Alternative contracting vehicles allow DARPA to seize every opportunity to advance our mission. In addition to multi-year programs focused on developing technology from possibility to field-ready capability, our approach to funding includes: - Challenges that invite ideas from nontraditional inventors, with prizes up to $10M - Seedlings that move concepts from “disbelief” to “mere doubt” - Explorations that accelerate the timeline from concept to award - SBIR/STTR initiatives that can lead to new programs Together, the exceptional leadership of our program managers and our unique funding opportunities make it possible for DARPA to do the seemingly impossible. What comes next is limited only by the imagination.