DARPA Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Office-Wide BAA
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) is offering funding for revolutionary research across microelectronics, photonic circuits, quantum systems, biological/organic circuits, advanced manufacturing ecosystems, and dual-use microsystems. Multiple awards are anticipated, with no predefined funding limits. Abstracts are accepted until January 15, 2026, and proposals until March 2, 2026.
How much funding would I receive?
Funding amount is flexible. DARPA anticipates multiple awards, and efforts may span basic research (6.1), applied research (6.2), or advanced technology development (6.3). Proposers can also elect an Accelerated Award Option for awards under $2 million with 30-day award timelines.
What could I use the funding for?
Research areas of current interest to MTO include, but are not limited to, the following topics:
Quantum circuits
Interconnect technologies for transferring quantum states between qubit platforms
Generalizable improvements for processing chain for all types of quantum sensors
High density low loss mixed signal transfer between room and quantum temperatures
Biological circuits
High throughput molecular readers for full spectrum sequencing
3-dimensional bio-templated self-assembly of microsystems
Highly-parallel DNA writing platforms for long DNA writes for genome-scale complexity with low error
Photonic circuits
Applications for purely photonic circuits not realizable in electronic circuits
Chip scale photonics for ultralow noise microwave sources
Tunable chip scale ultrafast (<10 ps) lasers
Fiber-inspired ultralow loss integrated photonics
Manufacturing Ecosystem
Litho- and etch-free direct nanoscale semiconductor manufacturing
Low-loss high permeability/permittivity materials
High density cryogenic-to-room-temperature interconnects
Atomically precise, multi-chemistry molecular manufacturing technologies
Energy reclamation from low-grade waste heat
Reconfigurable multiscale manufacturing for onshore manufacturing
Dual Use by Design
All-weather long distance high bandwidth communications
Commercially relevant tool development challenge problems
Conformal and malleable batteries
Design and assembly of complex microsystems in supply-chain-free environments
Reconfigurable additive manufacturing for multiple classes of materials
Context aware imaging
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Beyond direct funding, awardees gain significant strategic advantages:
Government Validation & Credibility
DARPA selection signals elite technical quality and national-security relevance — often accelerating partnerships with primes, OEMs, and investors.
Enhanced Market Visibility
Awards frequently lead to increased visibility through DARPA communications, publications, and industry attention.
Ecosystem Access & Collaboration
Awardees join a national innovation community spanning quantum, photonics, microelectronics, and advanced materials — opening doors to long-term collaborations and follow-on opportunities.
Stronger Exit & Acquisition Potential
Non-dilutive support enables deep tech maturation without equity loss. Companies validated by DARPA historically see improved valuation, stronger commercial traction, and increased acquisition interest.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Abstract Deadline: January 15, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
Proposal Deadline: March 2, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
DARPA reviews proposals on a rolling basis.
If you select the Accelerated Award Option (<$2M projects), DARPA may issue an award within 30 days of selection notification.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Microsystems Technology Office (STO).
Who is eligible to apply?
The BAA does not restrict eligibility. Typical DARPA BAAs accept proposals from:
U.S. businesses of any size
Universities
Nonprofits
Federally-funded research and development centers (with limitations)
Foreign entities may be subject to additional restrictions depending on classification and export-control considerations.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
DARPA will select proposals that score highly on scientific merit, mission relevance, and cost realism.
High Scientific & Technical Merit: Innovative, feasible, and well-justified approaches with clear deliverables, identified risks and credible mitigations, and a team with the expertise to execute.
Strong Contribution to DARPA’s Mission: Efforts that meaningfully advance U.S. national security capabilities, show a credible transition path to U.S. defense applications, and include an IP strategy that does not hinder government use.
Realistic, Well-Substantiated Costs: Budgets that accurately reflect the level of effort, materials, labor, and technical scope—avoiding artificially low estimates and demonstrating efficient use of prior research and existing capabilities.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Research must be revolutionary, not incremental.
CMMC Level 2 is required for procurement contracts beginning Nov 10, 2025.
Foreign influence and security review applies to fundamental research teams.
Classified submissions require coordination with DARPA security.
Export control and CUI restrictions apply.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission under this BAA will likely take 120–160 hours in total.
How can BW&CO help?
Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:
Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development
Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations
Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $5,000 for the Abstract Submission.
Fractional support is $300 per hour, with most DARPA proposal projects requiring 80–100 hours of expert support from strategy through submission of full proposal.
For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.