December 17, 2026 | 1–2 p.m. EST | Virtual 

A breakthrough idea is only the beginning. Can you explain what makes it different, why it matters, and how you’ll know it works?

Join Jen Thabet, Program Director, DARPA Small Business Programs Office, and Jess Resig, DARPAConnect Lead, for a session exploring the Heilmeier Catechism - the questions that help DARPA evaluate ambitious research ideas.

Developed by former DARPA Director George H. Heilmeier, this framework challenges researchers to get to the heart of their ideas and make a compelling case for pursuing them.

Discover how these deceptively simple questions can sharpen your thinking, expose gaps in your approach, and strengthen the way you communicate your research. We’ll explore how to use the framework to organize more competitive proposals across disciplines and prepare for meaningful conversations with DARPA program managers.

Whether you’re shaping an early concept or refining a proposal, you’ll gain a practical lens for answering a consequential question: Why should DARPA invest in your idea?

You must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event.

Newly registered DARPAConnect members should allow up to one hour after creating an account before registering for a DARPAConnect event. If the website still does not recognize your membership after one hour, please contact [email protected].

Not yet a DARPAConnect member? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to create a free account and access DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

Please note you must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event. 

Not a member of DARPAConnect? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to sign up for a free account and gain access to the full suite of DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

DARPA Open Mic is your monthly quick-hit session bringing you the latest from DARPA’s technical offices, funding opportunities, and engagement pathways.

What’s Happening?

• 15-Minute Update: Get a fast-paced rundown of DARPA’s key announcements, upcoming opportunities, and events across technical offices.
• Interactive Q&A: Bring your questions for the live, moderated Q&A following the monthly update and featured presentation.

Why Attend?

• Stay Informed: Get a timely look at DARPA priorities, program activity, and upcoming opportunities.
• Learn from DARPA Leadership: Hear directly from DARPA about new efforts, technical challenges, and the breakthroughs DARPA is seeking.
• Find Your Pathway: Better understand how emerging research connects to DARPA’s mission and where your work may align with future opportunities.

Join Us

Date: December 3, 2026   
Time: 1 PM - 1:30 PM ET
Location: DARPAConnect Corner Live Webinar

Registration Information

You must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event.

Newly registered DARPAConnect members should allow up to one hour after creating an account before registering for a DARPAConnect event. If the website still does not recognize your membership after one hour, please contact [email protected].

Not yet a DARPAConnect member? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to create a free account and access DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

Please note you must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event. 

Not a member of DARPAConnect? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to sign up for a free account and gain access to the full suite of DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

Small businesses are vital to developing critical technological capabilities that protect and support our nation's warfighters. If your company is developing cutting-edge technology, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer non-dilutive federal funding pathways to accelerate your innovation.

Join us for an exclusive DARPAConnect session featuring leaders from DARPA and the DOW SBIR/STTR teams:

Session Title: Navigating the SBIR/STTR Landscape: What’s Ahead in FY27 & How to Engage 

  Date & Time: November 24th at 1PM

What You Will Learn:

• What’s New in FY27: Key shifts in program priorities, submission guidelines, and award acceleration pathways.
• Program Refresher: Proposal essentials, Phase I–III transitions, eligibility, and common pitfalls to avoid.
• Component Engagement: How to effectively connect with defense program managers and align with mission gaps.
• Resources & Acceleration: Free support, mentorship, and readiness tools.

Featured Speakers:

• Gina Sims, Director, Office for Small Business Innovation, Department of War (DoW)
• Jennifer Thabet, Director, DARPA Small Business Programs Office (SBPO)

Registration Information

You must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event.

Newly registered DARPAConnect members should allow up to one hour after creating an account before registering for a DARPAConnect event. If the website still does not recognize your membership after one hour, please contact [email protected].

Not yet a DARPAConnect member? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to create a free account and access DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

Please note you must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event. 

Not a member of DARPAConnect? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to sign up for a free account and gain access to the full suite of DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

DARPA Open Mic is your monthly quick-hit session bringing you the latest from DARPA’s technical offices, funding opportunities, and engagement pathways.

What’s Happening?

• 15-Minute Update: Get a fast-paced rundown of DARPA’s key announcements, upcoming opportunities, and events across technical offices.
• PM Spotlight: Direct insights from Dr. Pedro Irazoqui, a PM within the Biological Technologies Office, and his current programs.
• Interactive Q&A: Bring your questions for the live, moderated Q&A following the monthly update and featured presentation.

Why Attend?

• Stay Informed: Get a timely look at DARPA priorities, program activity, and upcoming opportunities.
• Learn from DARPA Leadership: Hear directly from DARPA about new efforts, technical challenges, and the breakthroughs DARPA is seeking.
• Find Your Pathway: Better understand how emerging research connects to DARPA’s mission and where your work may align with future opportunities.

Join Us

Date: November 5, 2026   
Time: 11 AM - 11:30 AM ET
Location: DARPAConnect Corner Live Webinar

Registration Information

You must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event.

Newly registered DARPAConnect members should allow up to one hour after creating an account before registering for a DARPAConnect event. If the website still does not recognize your membership after one hour, please contact [email protected].

Not yet a DARPAConnect member? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to create a free account and access DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

Please note you must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event. 

Not a member of DARPAConnect? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to sign up for a free account and gain access to the full suite of DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

DARPA Open Mic is your monthly quick-hit session bringing you the latest from DARPA’s technical offices, funding opportunities, and engagement pathways

This month, hear from two DARPA Program Managers introducing new programs and opportunities:

Biological Technologies Office Program Manager Dr. Mark Salvador will share the latest details on the Convergence program.

What’s Happening?

• 15-Minute Update: Get a fast-paced rundown of DARPA’s key announcements, upcoming opportunities, and events across its technical offices.
• Featured Presentations: Hear directly from DARPA Program Manager Dr. Salvador on the technical challenges their programs aim to tackle, and the breakthroughs DARPA is seeking.
• Interactive Q&A: Bring your questions for a live, moderated Q&A following the update and featured presentations.

Join Us

Date: September 2, 2026   
Time: 2 PM - 2:30 PM ET
Location: DARPAConnect Corner Live Webinar

Registration Information

You must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event.

Newly registered DARPAConnect members should allow up to one hour after creating an account before registering for a DARPAConnect event. If the website still does not recognize your membership after one hour, please contact [email protected].

Not yet a DARPAConnect member? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to create a free account and access DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

Please note you must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event. 

Not a member of DARPAConnect? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to sign up for a free account and gain access to the full suite of DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

DARPA Ask Me Anything

Date: September 30th, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Join DARPAConnect for a live DARPA Ask Me Anything session designed to help innovators, researchers, companies, and academic performers better understand how to engage with DARPA.

This interactive session will give participants the opportunity to ask direct questions and get practical insight on topics such as:

• How to identify the right entry points into DARPA
• Where to find funding opportunities
• What program managers look for
• How to prepare stronger responses to DARPA opportunities
• Common dos and don’ts when approaching the agency
• Tips for organizations engaging with DARPA for the first time

Who should attend: Innovators, researchers, startups, small businesses, academic teams, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners interested in learning how to work with DARPA.

What to expect: A live, accessible conversation focused on participant questions, practical guidance, and real-world insight into DARPA pathways, funding opportunities, and engagement best practices.

Register to attend and bring your questions!

Registration Information

You must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event.

Newly registered DARPAConnect members should allow up to one hour after creating an account before registering for a DARPAConnect event. If the website still does not recognize your membership after one hour, please contact [email protected].

Not yet a DARPAConnect member? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to create a free account and access DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

Please note you must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event. 

Not a member of DARPAConnect? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to sign up for a free account and gain access to the full suite of DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

DARPA Ask Me Anything

Date: July 22, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET

Join DARPAConnect for a live DARPA Ask Me Anything session designed to help innovators, researchers, companies, and academic performers better understand how to engage with DARPA.

This interactive session will give participants the opportunity to ask direct questions and get practical insight on topics such as:

• How to identify the right entry points into DARPA
• Where to find funding opportunities
• What program managers look for
• How to prepare stronger responses to DARPA opportunities
• Common dos and don’ts when approaching the agency
• Tips for organizations engaging with DARPA for the first time

Who should attend: Innovators, researchers, startups, small businesses, academic teams, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners interested in learning how to work with DARPA.

What to expect: A live, accessible conversation focused on participant questions, practical guidance, and real-world insight into DARPA pathways, funding opportunities, and engagement best practices.

Register to attend and bring your questions!

Registration Information

You must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event.

Newly registered DARPAConnect members should allow up to one hour after creating an account before registering for a DARPAConnect event. If the website still does not recognize your membership after one hour, please contact [email protected].

Not yet a DARPAConnect member? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to create a free account and access DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

Please note you must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event. 

Not a member of DARPAConnect? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to sign up for a free account and gain access to the full suite of DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

DARPA Open Mic is your monthly quick-hit session bringing you the latest from DARPA’s tech offices.

What’s Happening? 

• Guest Spotlight: This session features DARPA Deputy Director Dr. Tyler McQuade, who will lead a live Q&A and share perspective on DARPA’s current priorities, where the agency is headed, and how to align your work to mission needs.
• 15-Minute Update: Get a fast-paced rundown of DARPA’s key announcements, funding opportunities, and upcoming events across technical offices.
• Interactive Q&A: Ask your questions and get direct insights during a live, moderated discussion.

Why Attend? • Stay Informed: Get up to speed on DARPA’s evolving priorities and where the agency is focused next. • Engage Directly: Hear from DARPA leadership and connect to the work shaping future capability. • Find Your Pathway: Understand how to align your work and engage with DARPA opportunities.

Join Us: 

• Date: June 4, 2026
• Time: 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM ET
• Location: DARPAConnect Corner Live Webinar

Innovation is moving fast. This is your chance to hear directly from DARPA leadership and understand where you fit. Register now.

Please note you must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event. 

Not a member of DARPAConnect? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to sign up for a free account and gain access to the full suite of DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

Small businesses are key strategic partners for the Department of War (DoW) and DARPA. Through SBIR/STTR awards, DARPA empowers startups and small labs to turn innovative ideas into real-world, warfighting capabilities.

Join us to explore how DARPA helps small businesses succeed, identifying partners, engaging end users, and enabling technology transition. Hear success stories about DARPA performers like Aventusoft, Inflection, Vector Atomic, Strategy Robot and more. 

Session Highlights:

  *   Overview of DARPA SBIR/STTR funding and awards
  *   Transition strategies via the Transition Commercialization Support Program (TCSP)
  *   Real-world success stories and lessons learned
  *   Resources for small businesses to engage with DARPA
  *   Live Q&A with program managers and DoW

Join Us:

• Date: March 26, 2026
• Time: 2:30 - 3:30 PM Eastern
• Location: DARPAConnect Corner Live Webinar

Please note you must be logged in to your DARPAConnect account to register for this event. 

Not a member of DARPAConnect? Visit the DARPAConnect Registration page to sign up for a free account and gain access to the full suite of DARPAConnect events, lessons, resources, and more.

Join us on March 12th, 2026 for an information session about the FY26 HBCU/MI Research Capacity Pilot Program.