2026 MXO Spark Tank Special Notice
DARPA is hosting an in-person Spark Tank outreach and engagement event for prospective MXO proposers and collaborators; it does not itself fund awards.
RESTRICTED TO: FEDERAL INTRAMURAL
⚑ Special Notice/event announcement, not a funding opportunity · Advance registration required; no on-site registration · In-person only in Chicago, Illinois · Presented materials may be posted publicly after the event
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| IPPRA | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 5 none | not openly competed |
Description
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) will host the Multi X Office (MXO) Spark Tank event for prospective proposers and future MXO collaborators on November 2-4, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. Advance registration is required. Registration will open on August 10, 2026. There will be no on-site registration. This event will be hosted in-person only. The event will include overview presentations by DARPA personnel, including MXO Program Managers, and an opportunity for 1:1 engagement with MXO Program Managers and MXO Leadership via sidebar meetings. After the event, presented materials may be posted tohttps://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/mxo.
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: . Notice type: Special Notice. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) / DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY.
Apply
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.