About this archived opportunity

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative concepts to design a protein complex that can be expressed in vivo (i.e., in a living cell) and responds to optical signals to synthesize a corresponding DNA or RNA sequence. This technology should enable massless transfer of genetic information to cells expressing the protein complex via a template-free mechanism that incorporates nucleotide bases in response to specific optical signals (e.g., different wavelengths of light). The GO program is focused on two main Research Objectives (ROs): (1) achieving the core capability of synthesizing DNA/RNA directly in living cells using optical signals, and (2) developing error mitigation methods that ensure high-fidelity nucleic acid synthesis. The acquisition process for GO will proceed through a two-stage process, starting with (1) written abstracts which will inform invitations to brief (2) an Oral Proposal Package (OPP) at DARPA.

Related opportunities

• Disruptioneering Program AnnouncementDEPT OF DEFENSE·Closes in 73 days
• Strategic Technology Office-wide Innovation Solutions Opening AnnouncementDEPT OF DEFENSE·Closes Dec 2026
• Strategic Technology Office-wide Innovation Solutions Opening AnnouncementDEPT OF DEFENSE·Closes Dec 2026
• Generative Unconstrained Intelligence Drug Engineering (GUIDE) collaboration between U.S. interagency, academic and industry partnersDEPT OF DEFENSE·Closes Oct 2028
• BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) for Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development - HT9425-23-S-SOC1DEPT OF DEFENSE·Closes Aug 2028