Objective and Description

DARPA seeks to identify and pursue high-impact research initiatives across a broad spectrum of science and engineering disciplines for the U.S. Department of Defense. The objective of this event is to connect DSO with the science and technology community to help generate world-leading technologies and capabilities for U.S. national security, which is critical to the Office's mission of creating and preventing scientific surprise. DARPA DSO focuses on nascent and emergent technologies that may result in breakthrough capabilities for U.S. national security applications and the demonstration of the potential of these technologies through targeted development efforts.

DSO research opportunities are broadcast through a variety of mechanisms, including Program Solicitations such as Broad Area Announcements (BAAs), Disruption Opportunities (DOs), and Advanced Research Concepts (ARCs). DARPA designed these opportunities to enable the global research community to pursue breakthrough ideas while understanding that such ideas often include substantial technical risks.

DSO is interested in engaging with the broad research and development community to tackle complex challenges and validate impactful research concepts and ideas that address DARPA's mission and lead to transformative capabilities.

Registration and Fees

Advance registration is required. The registration deadline is 5:00 PM Eastern on January 2, 2026, or when capacity is reached, whichever comes first. Due to the limitations of the conference facility space, in-person attendance is restricted to the first 200 registrants with a maximum of five (5) individuals from any one organization and no more than three (3) representatives per division/department of that organization. Interested parties are encouraged to coordinate attendance internally within their organization prior to registration. DARPA may modify the in-person organization restriction as needed.

Registration fee*: $125

*The registration fee covers AM/PM coffee breaks, lunch, an evening reception (hors d'oeuvres and cash bar), and a portion of room rental and audio/visual.

You must cancel your attendance by January 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern to receive a registration fee refund.

Eligibility (Non-U.S. Citizens)

All registrants who are not U.S. Citizens must complete and submit either a DARPA Form 60 (U.S. Permanent Resident and Foreign National Visit Request—e.g., industry or academia) or an Official Visit Request (foreign government personnel, only) through the Embassy based in Washington, DC, no later than 5:00 PM Eastern on January 2, 2026. Form 60 submission instructions will be provided in the registration confirmation email. Contact your Embassy staff for assistance in submitting the Official Visit Request. Upon entry to the physical meeting, all attendees must present a valid, Government-issued photo identification.