Basic research is central to identifying seeds of surprise.
Together with academic faculty, postdocs, and university labs, our program managers pursue fundamental scientific breakthroughs. We fully support free scientific exchange and publication of fundamental research to the maximum extent possible.
Research opportunities
Explore open contracts, grants, and other opportunities, including Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Requests for Information (RFIs).
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New to DARPA?
No matter where you are in your journey with us, DARPAConnect is a valuable resource. Get access to a comprehensive curriculum, proposal support, mentoring, and one-on-one coaching.
Get connected
Come to Proposers Day
Our program managers welcome input from prospective university partners on new research ideas, emerging technologies, and technology transition efforts. The best way to connect is to attend a Proposers Day event.
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Organize a challenge team
Some of our strongest challenge contenders– and celebrated winners – hail from universities. Does your school have an appetite for competition?
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Young Faculty Award program
Our mission depends on the dedication of exceptional scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to the quest for technological surprise.
To nurture the next generation of program managers and performers, each year we invite junior faculty at U.S. academic and nonprofit research institutions to apply for our Young Faculty Award (YFA).
Join the quest
Innovation Fellowship
The Innovation Fellowship offers early-career scientists the opportunity to develop and guide research in pursuit of breakthrough technologies for national security.
The fellowship is open to scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who completed their doctorate within the last five years. In exceptional cases, we also consider candidates with bachelor or master’s degrees in STEM programs.
Make the leap