The Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) at DARPA regularly publishes BAAs requesting responses to specific program topics. This announcement seeks revolutionary research ideas for topics not addressed by ongoing MTO programs or other published BAA solicitations.
Since its inception in 1991, MTO has helped create and prevent strategic surprise through investments in compact microelectronic components such as microprocessors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and photonic devices. MTO’s revolutionary work applying advanced capabilities in areas such as wide-band gap materials, phased array radars, high-energy lasers, and infrared imaging have helped the United States establish and maintain technological superiority for more than two decades.
MTO seeks to develop high-risk, high-reward technologies that continue DARPA’s mission of creating and preventing strategic surprise, help to secure the Department of Defense’s (DoD) technological superiority, and address the complex threats facing U.S. national security. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.
Deadlines:
o Abstract Due Date: Abstracts may be submitted on a rolling basis until 1:00 p.m. on March 9, 2025
o Proposal Due Date: Proposals may be submitted on a rolling basis until 1:00 p.m. on May 9, 2025
As MTO evolves to address future microsystems-related challenges in this unprecedented era of advancement, the office is establishing a beyond-the-headlights strategy that focuses on three heretofore nascent thrusts, each focused on addressing key challenges towards its mission to dominate the microsystems ecology militarily and economically:
1. Scientific Disruption is developing technology to enable fundamentally new ways to design and employ integrated circuits for the next generations of microsystems.
- Photonic circuits (PCs).
- Quantum circuits (QCs).
- Bio/Organic circuits (OCs)
2. Microsystems manufacturing ecosystem is developing the infrastructure needed to bring the needed sustainability to advanced microsystems.
3. Dual use by design is recognizing that the DoD must take advantage of commercial scaling but also find ways to build superior capability into defense microsystems.