DARPA Reboots AI Tools for Adult Learning Competition

Technological advances and changes in economic conditions are shifting the skills needed to build an adaptive and successful workforce. As underscored in the 2023 National Defense Science & Technology Strategy, the United States cannot create 21st-century capabilities using 20th-century education practices. The World Economic Forum (WEF) further predicts that by 2025, 50% of all workers worldwide will need reskilling to compete in the market. The increasing reliance on technology in jobs across the market has imposed additional challenges for the workforce, especially for those from low-income and historically marginalized populations.

The good news is that recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) can help address these issues with computer-based systems that personalize instruction in real time based on learner responses. According to DARPA experts, these systems can improve educational quality and drastically reduce costs, increasing access to career pathways for all learners, thus closing the skill gaps that limit economic growth.

For the second time, DARPA engaged the Tools Competition to seek ideas for innovative, self-directed tools that empower adult learners to thrive in the modern economy. The “Building an Adaptive & Competitive Workforce” track invites technologists, digital learning platform experts, researchers, students, and educators to propose AI tools that would help adults upskill and reskill in complex subjects, such as data science and STEM. Tools at all phases of ideation and development are eligible.

“Through this competition, DARPA aims to accelerate the development of educational capabilities for upskilling in this rapidly evolving technological landscape,” said Dr. Wil Corvey, AI Tools for Adult Learning program manager in DARPA’s Information Innovation Office. “Amplified attention to STEM and data science applications will be integral to fostering a greater understanding of AI-driven technologies and their potential utilization throughout society.”

Corvey is especially interested in tools that:

• Leverage AI and large language models;
• Enable data science upskilling or reskilling;
• Support adult learners in complex subjects such as STEM fields; and
• Feature tutoring systems and self-directed learning innovations.

This new track comprises three phases and will award $750,000 to winning tools. Phase I abstracts are due by February 26, 2024. Select participants advancing to Phase II will be invited to submit a detailed proposal, followed by a virtual pitch in Phase III.

Interested participants are invited to join a virtual information session on January 29 at 1 p.m. ET. Details on how to sign up for and participate in the competition are available at tools-competition.org/workforce.

Note that United States citizens, permanent residents, and U.S. entities may participate. Non-U.S. participants can join as part of a team but are not eligible to receive any portion of the award directly.