February 19 | 2:00PM Eastern Time (1:00PM CT) - 2:30PM Eastern Time (1:30PM CT)

Every impactful DARPA program starts with a clearly articulated problem and a compelling technical approach. This working session invites participants to sharpen their thinking using the Heilmeier Catechism — the foundational questions DARPA Program Managers use to shape, assess, and stress-test breakthrough ideas.

In this session, a DARPA Program Manager will walk through a problem set using the Heilmeier framework, illustrating how complex challenges are translated into focused technical objectives. Participants will gain visibility into how PMs think about what makes an idea compelling, how success is defined, what risks matter most, and why a proposed approach represents a meaningful advance.

The session is designed to help innovators strengthen how they frame their ideas and prepare for more effective engagement with DARPA, whether at the early concept stage or while preparing for future proposals and conversations.

What attendees will gain

• A clearer understanding of how DARPA Program Managers apply the Heilmeier Catechism to evaluate ideas
• Insight into what strong early-stage concepts look like from a PM perspective
• Exposure to the types of questions PMs use to shape and refine potential programs
• Practical guidance for strengthening the clarity, focus, and impact of technical ideas
• A framework participants can use to prepare for future engagement with DARPA

This session is valuable for researchers, founders, faculty, and technical teams who want to sharpen their approach and position their ideas more effectively for DARPA engagement.

Join Us:

• Date: February 19, 2026
• Time: 2:00PM - 2:30PM Eastern (1:00PM - 1:30PM CT)
• Location: DARPAConnect Corner Live Webinar

DARPA continues to set the standard for translating breakthrough research into operational advantage. Join the conversation and stay connected to what is next.

Register now to secure your spot.

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.