All-Day Workshops
Quantum Integrated Photonics - Opportunities and Challenges
Dr. Justin Cohen / Dr. Jonathan Hoffman / Dr. Gordon Keeler, Program Managers, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
Optics are central to the quantum technologies that promise to transform computing, communications, and precision sensing. Given the diversity of quantum applications and architectures, it is perhaps unsurprising that the role of optics in these systems varies dramatically, ranging from semi-classical laser interfaces with quantum matter, to generators and processors for non-classical states of light. With mounting interest in the potential for photonic integration to miniaturize and scale quantum technologies, it is imperative to identify the disparate ensuing challenges at hand for photonic materials, components, and circuits. This workshop will bring together experts in the fields of quantum sensing and quantum information to present the opportunities and underlying device needs for specific applications, followed by a panel discussion response from innovators in the integrated photonics community. The event will close with a "lightning round" session, wherein any attendee may hold the floor for one minute to provide their perspective.
Dr. Justin Cohen / Dr. Jonathan Hoffman / Dr. Gordon Keeler, Program Managers, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
Optics are central to the quantum technologies that promise to transform computing, communications, and precision sensing. Given the diversity of quantum applications and architectures, it is perhaps unsurprising that the role of optics in these systems varies dramatically, ranging from semi-classical laser interfaces with quantum matter, to generators and processors for non-classical states of light. With mounting interest in the potential for photonic integration to miniaturize and scale quantum technologies, it is imperative to identify the disparate ensuing challenges at hand for photonic materials, components, and circuits. This workshop will bring together experts in the fields of quantum sensing and quantum information to present the opportunities and underlying device needs for specific applications, followed by a panel discussion response from innovators in the integrated photonics community. The event will close with a "lightning round" session, wherein any attendee may hold the floor for one minute to provide their perspective.
Revolutionizing RF/mmWave Design Automation Through Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Tools
Dr. Sung Kyu Lim / Dr. Thomas Kazior, Program Managers, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
AI/ML enhanced design techniqes have the potential to: (A) Enable rapid and accurate design of RF/mmWave systems based on top-level system specifications; and (B) become an enabling force multiplier for the design of all advanced electronic systems (RF, analog, high speed digital, etc.). The current practice is limited to manual, labor intensive, bottom-up approaches. Today, the trade-off spaces in designs are tied to the designer pre-selected topologies, based on human/designer intuition. The novelty of the envisioned approach is to: (1) Open up new design spaces that are outside of human intuition, leading to revolutionary performance; (2) Allow rapid synthesis, saving labor and time; and (3) Achieve rapid portability of designs across technology PDKs. Recent results have indicated the feasibility of this approach. For example, deep learning techniques can be used to model complex electromagneitc (EM) structures, eliminating time consuming EM synthesis and optimization, allowing rapid co-design with circuits. Reinforcement learning has been leveraged for rapid design and layout of analog and mixed-signal blocks. The goal of the workshop is to bring together the leading experts in the two areas of circuit design and AI/ML, share key research results, identify potential benefits of AI/ML enhanced techniques for RF design (some sort of productivity metric or accuracy or increase in probability of first pass design success), identify technology gaps and new research directions and approaches, and inspire cross-disciplinary discussion, learning, and collaboration.
Dr. Sung Kyu Lim / Dr. Thomas Kazior, Program Managers, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
AI/ML enhanced design techniqes have the potential to: (A) Enable rapid and accurate design of RF/mmWave systems based on top-level system specifications; and (B) become an enabling force multiplier for the design of all advanced electronic systems (RF, analog, high speed digital, etc.). The current practice is limited to manual, labor intensive, bottom-up approaches. Today, the trade-off spaces in designs are tied to the designer pre-selected topologies, based on human/designer intuition. The novelty of the envisioned approach is to: (1) Open up new design spaces that are outside of human intuition, leading to revolutionary performance; (2) Allow rapid synthesis, saving labor and time; and (3) Achieve rapid portability of designs across technology PDKs. Recent results have indicated the feasibility of this approach. For example, deep learning techniques can be used to model complex electromagneitc (EM) structures, eliminating time consuming EM synthesis and optimization, allowing rapid co-design with circuits. Reinforcement learning has been leveraged for rapid design and layout of analog and mixed-signal blocks. The goal of the workshop is to bring together the leading experts in the two areas of circuit design and AI/ML, share key research results, identify potential benefits of AI/ML enhanced techniques for RF design (some sort of productivity metric or accuracy or increase in probability of first pass design success), identify technology gaps and new research directions and approaches, and inspire cross-disciplinary discussion, learning, and collaboration.
A New Approach to Microelectronics Workforce Development for Government
Dr. James Wilson, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
This workshop will present new approaches to address technology challenges and workforce development efforts in government-focused microelectronics development and hardware security, fields where qualified graduates are notably hard to find. Government, industry, and academic panelists will prepare and present potential technically-focused solutions for enhancing the domestic hardware security workforce using the Heilmeier questions to guide their thinking. A panel discussion will follow the presentations and focus on how to get more students involved in hardware for government needs, especially from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), while simultaneously addressing the biggest technical challenges in the space.
Dr. James Wilson, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
This workshop will present new approaches to address technology challenges and workforce development efforts in government-focused microelectronics development and hardware security, fields where qualified graduates are notably hard to find. Government, industry, and academic panelists will prepare and present potential technically-focused solutions for enhancing the domestic hardware security workforce using the Heilmeier questions to guide their thinking. A panel discussion will follow the presentations and focus on how to get more students involved in hardware for government needs, especially from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), while simultaneously addressing the biggest technical challenges in the space.
Putting the Rad in Radiation Effects
Dr. Todd Bauer, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
The effects of ionizing radiation in microelectronics have long been a problem in space vehicles which don't have the protection of earth's atmosphere. However, our increasing reliance on microelectronics in our day-to-day lives has made radiation effects in terrestrial systems a very real concern. Server farms, life safety systems, and autonomous vehicles are all vulnerable to soft errors and functional interrupts that are attributable to ionizing radiation from thermal neutrons and stray cosmic rays that penetrate the atmosphere. In this workshop we provide high level overviews of the impact of radiation on hardware and algorithms, and how those impacts are mitigated.
Dr. Todd Bauer, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
The effects of ionizing radiation in microelectronics have long been a problem in space vehicles which don't have the protection of earth's atmosphere. However, our increasing reliance on microelectronics in our day-to-day lives has made radiation effects in terrestrial systems a very real concern. Server farms, life safety systems, and autonomous vehicles are all vulnerable to soft errors and functional interrupts that are attributable to ionizing radiation from thermal neutrons and stray cosmic rays that penetrate the atmosphere. In this workshop we provide high level overviews of the impact of radiation on hardware and algorithms, and how those impacts are mitigated.
The MGI & Microelectronics: Designing the Next Generation of Materials
Dr. James Warren, Director of the Materials Genome Project, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
8:30am-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
This is a unique event, bringing together representatives from industry, academia, and government together to chart the best course forward to realizing the promise of the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) for the microelectronics industry.
Dr. James Warren, Director of the Materials Genome Project, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
8:30am-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
This is a unique event, bringing together representatives from industry, academia, and government together to chart the best course forward to realizing the promise of the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) for the microelectronics industry.
Half-Day Workshops - Morning
Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing (NGMM) Phase 0
Dr. Carl McCants, ERI Special Assistant to the DARPA Director, DARPA / Mr. John Blevins, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
As part of DARPA's Electronics Resurgence Initiative (ERI) 2.0, the Next Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing (NGMM) program seeks to transform three-dimensional heterogeneous integration (3DHI) research and development (R&D) by realizing a centralized, domestic capability for the rapid, secure, and cost-effective pilot-line production of 3DHI prototypes composed of multiple material systems. The Phase 0 research effort currently underway focuses on defining the critical fabrication processes and design tools needed to deliver 3DHI microsystems of unprecedented capability and performance, as well as considering the intellectual property management structure needed for an open-access NGMM center. In this workshop, performers will present key insights from their analyses to-date in lightning talks.
Dr. Carl McCants, ERI Special Assistant to the DARPA Director, DARPA / Mr. John Blevins, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
As part of DARPA's Electronics Resurgence Initiative (ERI) 2.0, the Next Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing (NGMM) program seeks to transform three-dimensional heterogeneous integration (3DHI) research and development (R&D) by realizing a centralized, domestic capability for the rapid, secure, and cost-effective pilot-line production of 3DHI prototypes composed of multiple material systems. The Phase 0 research effort currently underway focuses on defining the critical fabrication processes and design tools needed to deliver 3DHI microsystems of unprecedented capability and performance, as well as considering the intellectual property management structure needed for an open-access NGMM center. In this workshop, performers will present key insights from their analyses to-date in lightning talks.
Continuous Collaborative Learning in the Spectrum
Mr. John Davies, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
Multi-function autonomous radio frequency (RF) systems are critical enables of maneuver within future complex electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). To maximize performance and develop effective EMS strategies, autonomous RF systems will be expected to share knowledge and learned behaviors within collaborative teams. Further development of such capabilities is limited by many open challenges across several research areas, including real-time RF control algorithms, lifelong learning under edge processing constraints, and closing the sim-to-real gap. This interactive workshop will leverage audience participation across a series of panel discussions to explore to these and other related challenges. Organizations with relevant expertise are encouraged to nominate panelists by responding to the Request for Information (RFI) posted in DARPA-SN-23-XX on SAM.gov
Mr. John Davies, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
Multi-function autonomous radio frequency (RF) systems are critical enables of maneuver within future complex electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). To maximize performance and develop effective EMS strategies, autonomous RF systems will be expected to share knowledge and learned behaviors within collaborative teams. Further development of such capabilities is limited by many open challenges across several research areas, including real-time RF control algorithms, lifelong learning under edge processing constraints, and closing the sim-to-real gap. This interactive workshop will leverage audience participation across a series of panel discussions to explore to these and other related challenges. Organizations with relevant expertise are encouraged to nominate panelists by responding to the Request for Information (RFI) posted in DARPA-SN-23-XX on SAM.gov
Emerging Thermal Metrology Needs for 3DHI Microsystems
Dr. Thomas Kazior / Dr. Yogendra Joshi, Program Managers, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
Characterization of 3DHI systems during manufacturing, test, and operation requires spatially and temporally resolved thermal measurements for all tiers within the 3D stack. The interior tiers in a 3DHI stack pose significant challenges, as infra-red and optical techniques cannot be used, and the resolution with other thermometry approaches are not adequate. This workshop will focus on thermal metrology needs and emerging approaches to enable 3DHI systems of the future. The workshop will include four talks (20 minutes each) by leading experts, followed by a panel (55 minutes).
Dr. Thomas Kazior / Dr. Yogendra Joshi, Program Managers, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
Characterization of 3DHI systems during manufacturing, test, and operation requires spatially and temporally resolved thermal measurements for all tiers within the 3D stack. The interior tiers in a 3DHI stack pose significant challenges, as infra-red and optical techniques cannot be used, and the resolution with other thermometry approaches are not adequate. This workshop will focus on thermal metrology needs and emerging approaches to enable 3DHI systems of the future. The workshop will include four talks (20 minutes each) by leading experts, followed by a panel (55 minutes).
Novel Architectures for Neuro-Symbolic Computation
Dr. Alvaro Velasquez, Program Manager, DARPA/I2O
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
Neuro-symbolic computation is the synthesis of the two major traditions in AI: Traditional Symbolic (logic, probability and model-based reasoning) and Neural-net (statistical, data driven). Each of these traditions have been shown to be capable of satisfying significant DoD needs ranging from logistic planning and scheduling to target recognition, and each can be computationally demanding. This workshop will explore novel circuitry and adaptive architectures that can support high performance, integrated neural-symbolic computation at the edge.
Dr. Alvaro Velasquez, Program Manager, DARPA/I2O
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
Neuro-symbolic computation is the synthesis of the two major traditions in AI: Traditional Symbolic (logic, probability and model-based reasoning) and Neural-net (statistical, data driven). Each of these traditions have been shown to be capable of satisfying significant DoD needs ranging from logistic planning and scheduling to target recognition, and each can be computationally demanding. This workshop will explore novel circuitry and adaptive architectures that can support high performance, integrated neural-symbolic computation at the edge.
Cryogenic Computing Systems: Challenges and Opportunities
Dr. Jason Woo, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
This workshop will focus on identifying system level integration and packaging challenges, and future research needs for cryogenic computing systems. While significant recent progress has been made in developing CMOS devices optimized for cryogenic operation, integration and implementations of these in future generation computing systems present significant challenges, both for cryogenic CMOS based systems, as well as for interfacing these with quantum systems. This workshop will include four talks (25 minutes each) by leading experts, followed by a panel discussion.
Dr. Jason Woo, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
This workshop will focus on identifying system level integration and packaging challenges, and future research needs for cryogenic computing systems. While significant recent progress has been made in developing CMOS devices optimized for cryogenic operation, integration and implementations of these in future generation computing systems present significant challenges, both for cryogenic CMOS based systems, as well as for interfacing these with quantum systems. This workshop will include four talks (25 minutes each) by leading experts, followed by a panel discussion.
DARPA Connect
Dr. William Kiser, Executive Vice President, Science and Technology, Applied Research Institute (ARI) / Dr. Ben Griffin, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
Ms. Natalie Kent, Contracts Specialist, DARPA/CMO
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
The DARPAConnect team will deliver a series of informative sessions designed to broaden DARPA's reach, stimulating growth and collaboration between DARPA, small businesses, and education institutions new to the national security space. With the goal of breaking down barriers to entry, this event aims to educate, motivate, and inspire nontraditional performers, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This workshop offers a series of sessions that will prepare you to successfully engage DARPA, speak the DARPA language, and navigate the proposal submission process.
Dr. William Kiser, Executive Vice President, Science and Technology, Applied Research Institute (ARI) / Dr. Ben Griffin, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
Ms. Natalie Kent, Contracts Specialist, DARPA/CMO
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
The DARPAConnect team will deliver a series of informative sessions designed to broaden DARPA's reach, stimulating growth and collaboration between DARPA, small businesses, and education institutions new to the national security space. With the goal of breaking down barriers to entry, this event aims to educate, motivate, and inspire nontraditional performers, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This workshop offers a series of sessions that will prepare you to successfully engage DARPA, speak the DARPA language, and navigate the proposal submission process.
Commercial Strategy's Role in Accelerating Innovations in Next Generation Microelectronics
Col Charles Bris-Bois, USAF, DARPA Commercial Strategy
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
Fast-paced pitches from DARPA funded small businesses that participated in the DARPA Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative. Followed by a panel of commercial industry experts, covering commercial trends and projections for next generation microelectronics.
Col Charles Bris-Bois, USAF, DARPA Commercial Strategy
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
Fast-paced pitches from DARPA funded small businesses that participated in the DARPA Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative. Followed by a panel of commercial industry experts, covering commercial trends and projections for next generation microelectronics.
Microelectronics, Power Electronics & Cybersecurity: Securing the Electric Vehicle and Vehicle Telematics Ecosystem
Ms. Cheri Caddy, Deputy Assistant National Cyber Director for Cyber Technology, Research & Development, ONCD, The White House
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EV/EVSE) occupy a critical intersection between microelectronics and power electronics. Coordination between these disciplines is going to be essential as the U.S. seeks to accelerate the adoption of EVs through policy and investment. As this integrated infrastructure proliferates, focused efforts on cybersecurity and resilience (especially, security-by-design) are essential for DoD mission assurance, and broader critical infrastructure protection. The White House is developing such efforts as part of the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, Strategic Objective 4.4, Securing the Clean Energy Transition.
This workshop seeks to convene stakeholders interested in EV/EVSE security, and vehicle telematics security, to consider strategic questions, priorities, and collective action at the nexus of cybersecurity, microelectronics, and power electronics.
Ms. Cheri Caddy, Deputy Assistant National Cyber Director for Cyber Technology, Research & Development, ONCD, The White House
8:30am-11:30am PT
Workshop Description:
Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EV/EVSE) occupy a critical intersection between microelectronics and power electronics. Coordination between these disciplines is going to be essential as the U.S. seeks to accelerate the adoption of EVs through policy and investment. As this integrated infrastructure proliferates, focused efforts on cybersecurity and resilience (especially, security-by-design) are essential for DoD mission assurance, and broader critical infrastructure protection. The White House is developing such efforts as part of the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, Strategic Objective 4.4, Securing the Clean Energy Transition.
This workshop seeks to convene stakeholders interested in EV/EVSE security, and vehicle telematics security, to consider strategic questions, priorities, and collective action at the nexus of cybersecurity, microelectronics, and power electronics.
Half-Day Workshops - Afternoon
Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing (NGMM) Phase 0
Dr. Carl McCants, ERI Special Assistant to the DARPA Director, DARPA / Mr. John Blevins, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
12:30pm-1:45pm PT
Workshop Description:
A continuation of the morning session with questions and answers, followed by closing remarks.
Dr. Carl McCants, ERI Special Assistant to the DARPA Director, DARPA / Mr. John Blevins, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
12:30pm-1:45pm PT
Workshop Description:
A continuation of the morning session with questions and answers, followed by closing remarks.
Physics Inspired Computing
Dr. Bryan Jacobs, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
12:30pm-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
This workshop will focus on the challenges and opportunities for a wide range of emerging computing paradigms drawing inspiration from physics principles, e.g., energy minimization. Special attention will be given to developing best practices for benchmarking these technologies and identifying the most promising near-term applications.
Dr. Bryan Jacobs, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
12:30pm-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
This workshop will focus on the challenges and opportunities for a wide range of emerging computing paradigms drawing inspiration from physics principles, e.g., energy minimization. Special attention will be given to developing best practices for benchmarking these technologies and identifying the most promising near-term applications.
Thermal Innovations for Next Generation Space-Based Electronics
Dr. Thomas Kazior / Dr. Yogendra Joshi, Program Managers, DARPA/MTO
12:30pm-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
Space poses a uniquely challenging thermal environment for microelectronic devices, with space-based platforms constrained in both size and available power for cooling capabilities. In this workshop, we will identify these challenges in the context of increasing demands for higher performance and functionality of space-based electronics for communication and sensing applications. In particular, we will explore thermal management solutions for managing the increasing heat load associated with high density electronics, specifically focusing on novel cooling techniques and materials. The workshop will provide an overview of DARPA initiatives (e.g., Minitherms 3D, ELGAR, THREADS, seedlings, and future programs), perspectives from other government agencies such as USSF and AFRL on existing challenges and technological gaps, and insights from leading experts in academia and industry.
Dr. Thomas Kazior / Dr. Yogendra Joshi, Program Managers, DARPA/MTO
12:30pm-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
Space poses a uniquely challenging thermal environment for microelectronic devices, with space-based platforms constrained in both size and available power for cooling capabilities. In this workshop, we will identify these challenges in the context of increasing demands for higher performance and functionality of space-based electronics for communication and sensing applications. In particular, we will explore thermal management solutions for managing the increasing heat load associated with high density electronics, specifically focusing on novel cooling techniques and materials. The workshop will provide an overview of DARPA initiatives (e.g., Minitherms 3D, ELGAR, THREADS, seedlings, and future programs), perspectives from other government agencies such as USSF and AFRL on existing challenges and technological gaps, and insights from leading experts in academia and industry.
Securing the U.S. Electronics Supply Chain
Mr. Mike Sangillo, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
12:30pm-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
The world-wide microchip meltdown of 2022 occurred due to temporary shutdowns in material sourcing, component supplier, and distribution chains. Although these shutdowns were temporary, they had enduring effects on the economy. This workshop will explore the ramifications of a weakened supply chain and will offer new technology concepts that strengthen the U.S. electronics supply chain.
Mr. Mike Sangillo, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
12:30pm-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
The world-wide microchip meltdown of 2022 occurred due to temporary shutdowns in material sourcing, component supplier, and distribution chains. Although these shutdowns were temporary, they had enduring effects on the economy. This workshop will explore the ramifications of a weakened supply chain and will offer new technology concepts that strengthen the U.S. electronics supply chain.
3D Optoelectronics
Dr. Anna Tauke-Pedretti, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
12:30pm-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
Moving data to the optical domain closer to the computational cores enables new compute architectures and may lead to increased robustness in extreme environments. This workshop will explore what is needed to move data immediately to the optical domain and add photonic integrated circuits to a 3DHI microsystem chip stack. Computing, sensing and data transmission architectures that would benefit from these microsystems will be discussed bringing to the forefront the technical challenges that must be overcome.
Dr. Anna Tauke-Pedretti, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
12:30pm-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
Moving data to the optical domain closer to the computational cores enables new compute architectures and may lead to increased robustness in extreme environments. This workshop will explore what is needed to move data immediately to the optical domain and add photonic integrated circuits to a 3DHI microsystem chip stack. Computing, sensing and data transmission architectures that would benefit from these microsystems will be discussed bringing to the forefront the technical challenges that must be overcome.
DARPA Connect
Dr. William Kiser, Executive Vice President, Science and Technology, Applied Research Institute (ARI) / Dr. Ben Griffin, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
Ms. Natalie Kent, Contracts Specialist, DARPA/CMO
12:30pm-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
The DARPAConnect team will deliver a series of informative sessions designed to broaden DARPA's reach, stimulating growth and collaboration between DARPA, small businesses, and education institutions new to the national security space. With the goal of breaking down barriers to entry, this event aims to educate, motivate, and inspire nontraditional performers, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This workshop offers a series of sessions that will prepare you to successfully engage DARPA, speak the DARPA language, and navigate the proposal submission process.
Dr. William Kiser, Executive Vice President, Science and Technology, Applied Research Institute (ARI) / Dr. Ben Griffin, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO
Ms. Natalie Kent, Contracts Specialist, DARPA/CMO
12:30pm-3:30pm PT
Workshop Description:
The DARPAConnect team will deliver a series of informative sessions designed to broaden DARPA's reach, stimulating growth and collaboration between DARPA, small businesses, and education institutions new to the national security space. With the goal of breaking down barriers to entry, this event aims to educate, motivate, and inspire nontraditional performers, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This workshop offers a series of sessions that will prepare you to successfully engage DARPA, speak the DARPA language, and navigate the proposal submission process.