Non-Optical Methods for High Speed Protein Control
DARPA is seeking awardable solutions for rapidly switchable, non-optogenetic protein domains that enable real-time cellular control and massless information transfer across a cell membrane.
⚑ DARPA special notice / ERIS Marketplace shopping notice rather than a standard grant competition · Applicant restrictions are federal contract-based; public universities are not directly eligible · Deadline clarified in Amendment 1; closes 2026-12-31
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 45 partial | funds applied research; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
| IPPRA | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
Description
UPDATE: The purpose of Amendment 1 to DARPA-SN-26-89, the Non-Optical Methods for High Speed Protein Control Special Notice (SN), is to clarify the notice deadline. DARPA BTO will be actively “shopping” the ERIS Marketplace for innovative, post-competitive, awardable solutions that address the need for a new class of rapidly switchable, non-optogenetic protein domains for real-time cellular control. This effort seeks to develop a robust and versatile molecular tool for massless information transfer across a cell membrane, intended to supplement existing synthetic biology platforms.
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.