DARPA Promethean Clay – DARPA-PS-26-16
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
DARPA is seeking proposals for the Promethean Clay program (DARPA-PS-26-16) to develop new classes of electrical energy storage systems designed through mechanical and electrochemical co-design. The program aims to eliminate the rigid, heavy exoskeleton structures used in conventional energy storage systems and replace them with designs where structural support and energy storage functionality are integrated directly into the device.
If successful, these technologies could unlock significant improvements in energy storage performance, safety, and thermal resilience, while enabling new system designs for defense applications and potential commercial transition.
Abstract Due Date: March 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Companies developing advanced batteries, structural energy storage, multifunctional materials, or integrated power systems should evaluate this opportunity quickly.
How much funding would I receive?
The solicitation states that multiple awards are anticipated, but the exact award size and total program funding are not specified in the solicitation.
Funding will be provided through agreements that may include:
Other Transaction for Prototype (OT) agreements
Other award instruments depending on the proposer and project structure
The period of performance is expected to be up to 48 months.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding must support research and development aligned with the Promethean Clay technical objective: rethinking energy storage systems through mechanical co-design.
Projects may include work such as:
Designing energy storage systems that eliminate rigid structural exoskeletons
Developing mechanically integrated energy storage materials
Demonstrating energy storage systems with improved safety and thermal resilience
Developing systems capable of integration into electrically powered technologies
The program specifically seeks system-level solutions, not incremental improvements to individual components.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
In addition to funding, selected teams may benefit from:
Collaboration with DARPA program managers
Access to government-provided testing platforms for evaluating performance
The potential to transition technologies into Department of Defense systems
DARPA programs are designed to accelerate high-risk, high-reward technologies with national security relevance.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Key dates listed in the solicitation include:
Posting date: February 18, 2026
Proposal submission deadline: April 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time
The program is structured as a multi-phase effort lasting up to 48 months, including:
Early technical development phases
Device prototype development and testing
Final system demonstrations
The exact award start date is not specified in the solicitation.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from the:
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Microsystems Technology Office (MTO)
DARPA funds high-risk research to create breakthrough technologies for U.S. national security.
Who is eligible to apply?
The solicitation allows proposals from a broad range of organizations within the research ecosystem, including:
Private companies
Universities
Non-profit research institutions
Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs)
FFRDCs and UARCs may participate either as prime performers or subcontractors.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
DARPA is looking for proposals that demonstrate:
Revolutionary advances, not incremental improvements
System-level energy storage innovations
A credible approach to eliminating inactive rigid materials in energy storage systems
Strong technical justification and clear research plans
Projects that focus solely on:
incremental component improvements, or
new battery chemistries without addressing system-level mechanical design
are specifically excluded from consideration.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
The solicitation explicitly excludes proposals that:
Focus only on incremental improvements to existing technologies
Propose new battery or fuel cell chemistries without addressing the mechanical design challenge
Improve individual components without considering the entire energy storage system
The program focuses specifically on electrical energy storage systems.
Additional compliance and security requirements may apply depending on the award instrument.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
DARPA proposals typically require:
A detailed technical proposal
A cost proposal
Supporting documentation for project team and facilities
Preparation time will depend on the complexity of the proposed research and team structure.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support your application by:
Interpreting the Promethean Clay technical objectives
Structuring a DARPA-compliant proposal narrative
Developing a competitive technical and commercialization strategy
Preparing the technical, management, and cost volumes
Our team works closely with founders and technical teams to ensure proposals clearly communicate breakthrough potential and mission relevance, which are critical factors in DARPA evaluations.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($15,000 + 5%) available.