Biological Technologies

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Biological Technologies Office (BTO) is soliciting proposals that leverage biological properties and processes to revolutionize the ability to protect the nation’s warfighters. The proposals should focus on developing innovative solutions that can address various challenges, including biological and chemical threats, medical countermeasures, and novel approaches to tactical care and warfighter performance and recovery. Some of the topic areas of interest include: • Biological and/or chemical technology topic areas that fit the national security scope of BTO’s mission • Research into market opportunities, constraints, and communities affecting financing and commercialization of bioindustrial and biomedical technologies • Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches for biological data generation and assessment • Combat Casualty Care, including developing novel diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic approaches for warfighter injury • Human Performance, including understanding and improving treatment of and resilience in neurological health, fatigue, cognition, and optimized human performance and teaming • Materials, Sensors, Processing, including designing novel materials, sensors, or processes that mimic or are inspired by biological systems • Agricultural and Environmental, including understanding and addressing emerging threats to global food, water, and ecosystem stability • Security, Safety, and Surveillance, including developing new technologies and approaches to ensure the biosafety and biosecurity of biological hardware and data • Biomedical and Biodefense, including developing new technologies for rapid, automated, and resilient manufacturing, delivery, and distribution of critical molecules for applications in therapeutics, chemical and biological defense. Proposers should submit an abstract and, if invited, a full proposal that outlines their approach, technical team, and cost and schedule realism.