DARPA Open Mic with Dr. Keith Whitener

DARPA Open Mic is your new monthly quick-hit session that brings you the latest from DARPA’s tech offices—no fluff, just the facts you need.

What’s Happening?
• 15-Minute Update: Get a fast-paced rundown of DARPA’s key announcements, funding opportunities, and upcoming events.
• Guest Spotlight: This session features DSO Program Manager Dr. Keith Whitener who will share insights on the office's current projects, why they matter, and how you can get involved.
• Interactive Q&A: Wrap up with a live, moderated Q&A session where you can ask your questions and get direct insights.

Why Attend?
• Stay Informed: Be among the first to know about major DARPA initiatives and opportunities.
• Engage Directly: Connect with DARPA leadership and learn about the projects shaping the future of technology.
• Empower Your Ideas: Discover how innovators, researchers, startups, and academics can partner with DARPA to drive groundbreaking innovations.

Join Us:
• Date: May 8th, 2025 
• Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM ET
• Location: DARPAConnect Corner Live Webinar

Innovation is moving fast—don’t get left behind. Sign up now for DARPA Open Mic and be part of the conversation shaping tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

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.

This curriculum will provide the knowledge, strategies, and resources necessary to navigate the DoD research ecosystem- ranging from identifying opportunities to preparing competitive proposals and establishing long-term research collaborations- while exploring different pathways for securing funding through grants and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).

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

Responding to a solicitation can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the proposal writing process. This lesson is designed to help you learn how to leverage opportunities for feedback, avoid common proposal pitfalls, and maximize best practices to set yourself and your team up for success.

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

This course examines the advantages of diverse academic and industry collaborations, emphasizes strategies for identifying suitable partners, and offers guidance on structuring agreements, securing funding, and overcoming common challenges. Through interactive resources and success stories, participants will gain insights into creating mutually beneficial relationships that enhance research capabilities, expand funding opportunities, and drive innovation.

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

While becoming a DoD contractor might be the first thing that comes to mind when considering ways to engage with the DoD, numerous other options are available. Researchers, innovators, and organizations can get involved through avenues such as Fellowship and Internship programs, Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), and direct employment opportunities within DoD agencies. In this module, we will delve deeper into each of these pathways to highlight the diverse ways you can align your expertise, interests, and innovations with DoD priorities.

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

Accelerating Impact: DARPA's Approach to Transition and Commercialization

This virtual session will explore how DARPA rapidly transforms breakthrough technologies from the lab into impactful, real-world applications.

You will learn about DARPA's innovative processes for nurturing cutting-edge research, fostering collaborations with industry partners, and leveraging unique funding models that accelerate the commercialization of early-stage innovations.

Plus, gain valuable insights into the strategies that bridge the gap between defense research and market-ready solutions, driving advancements that not only strengthen national security but also benefit the broader economy.

Speakers:

• Jennifer Thabet, Program Director, Small Business Programs Office
• Sha-Chelle Manning, Chief, Commercial Strategy Office 
• Benjamin "Bach" Bishop, Deputy Director, Adaptive Capabilities Office
• Robert Gerbracht, US Marine Corps Operational Liaison 
• Tejas Patel, Program Manager, Information Innovation Office (I2O)

Join Us:

• Date: April 30th, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• 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 office hours for quick 10-minute check-ins, to ask specific questions, and to discuss next steps with the DARPAConnect team. This is a forum to discuss ideas, seek guidance, and exchange thoughts on potential technological pursuits. This informal setting encourages productive discussions between you and the DARPAConnect team.

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 lessons, Connect Corner events, and more.

NOTE: These sessions are in high demand. If you are not able to attend your session, please let us know as soon as possible. If you're looking for an opportunity to have a longer discussion about your specific work with the DARPAConnect team, we encourage you to sign up for a 30-minute one-on-one session.

Join office hours for quick 10-minute check-ins, to ask specific questions, and to discuss next steps with the DoD SciTechCONNECT team. This is a forum to discuss ideas, seek guidance, and exchange thoughts on potential technological pursuits. This informal setting encourages productive discussions between you and the DoD SciTechCONNECT team.

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

NOTE: These sessions are in high demand. If you are not able to attend your session, please let us know as soon as possible. If you're looking for an opportunity to have a longer discussion about your specific work with the DoD SciTechCONNECT team, we encourage you to sign up for a 30-minute one-on-one session.

Discuss the potential alignment of your expertise and research interests with the DoD's mission. Book an individual session with a DoD SciTechCONNECT team member to discuss your ideas and receive feedback and guidance on next steps. These 30-minute sessions are available on a first-come, first serve basis. In order to reserve your session, please complete the request form in its entirety.

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

NOTE: These sessions are in high demand. If you are not able to attend your session, please let us know as soon as possible. 

Since its inception, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology (OASD(S&T)) has been a driving force behind technological advancements, enabling groundbreaking innovations that enhance the United States Department of Defense's (DoD) capabilities. OASD(S&T) is vital in advancing national security, from fostering emerging technologies to addressing critical defense challenges. In this module, you will learn about OASD(S&T), its organizational structure, and its pivotal role in shaping the future of defense innovation.

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