DARPA’s 2026 Funding Opportunities: A Boost for Advanced Research & Quantum Technology
Pushing Technology's Limits
DARPA has released its FY2026 funding allocations, with a $4.9 billion budget — representing a 12% increase from 2025. The majority of funding is directed toward basic research, applied R&D, and emerging technologies, including work relevant to quantum information science, advanced materials, biotechnology, and defense innovation.
For Australia’s research and technology community, DARPA programs are a valuable indicator of global priorities in next-generation science. Notably, DARPA’s 2026 cycle includes a specific call in utility-scale quantum computing, alongside opportunities in materials, radar, and nuclear fusion that intersect with the quantum and high-performance computing ecosystem.
Below are the currently open 2026 opportunities:
2026 Funding Calls (Open)
1. Smart Red Blood Cells:
Engineer red blood cells to contain novel biological features that can safely, temporarily, and reliably alter human physiology.
PM: Christopher Bettinger | Deadline: 13 Jan 2026
2. Generative Optogenetics
Design proteins that can be expressed in living cells and respond to optical signals to synthesize DNA and RNA.
PM: Matthew Pava | Deadline: 26 Feb 2026
3. Nitric Acid Production
Fast, energy-efficient, decentralized nitric acid manufacturing systems.
PM: Keith Whitener | Deadline: 5 Feb 2026
4. Crystal Growth
New tools to rapidly develop single-crystal inorganic materials at scale.
PM: Huanan Zhang | Deadline: 30 Jan 2026
5. Quantum Computing (Quantum-Relevant)
Develop quantum computing architectures capable of utility-scale operation, where computational value exceeds cost.
PM: Joseph Altepeter | Deadline: 14 Nov 2026
6. Nuclear Fusion
Technologies that increase fusion reaction rates in solid materials.
PM: Thomas Schenkel | Deadline: 14 Mar 2026
7. Radar Technologies
New sensing modes for detecting low-flying aircraft and maritime vessels in Arctic environments.
PM: Frank Robey | Deadline: 30 Jan 2026
8. Heavy Vertical Lift Aviation
Drone platforms capable of carrying payloads > 4× their own weight.
Prize Pool: $6.5 million | Deadline: 1 May 2026
9. Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2026
Program supporting emerging research leaders in academia and non-profit institutions.
Deadline: 20 Jan 2026
Additional Program Offices
DARPA is also seeking novel research concepts not currently covered by active programs. Relevant offices include:
Biological Technologies Office — https://lnkd.in/dgG2mzup
Defense Sciences Office — https://lnkd.in/dHyM-bBE
Information Innovation Office — https://lnkd.in/dVDqKj5P
Microsystems Technologies Office — https://lnkd.in/gQNq6zi5
Strategic Technologies Office — https://lnkd.in/dwtp_Uym
Tactical Technologies Office — https://lnkd.in/g6UZ2v5m
Relevance for Australia’s Quantum Sector
DARPA’s inclusion of a utility-scale quantum computing call in 2026 aligns with global efforts to move beyond laboratory demonstrations into applications and deployment. For researchers and companies in Australia, these signals highlight:
global momentum toward quantum utility
increased U.S. government investment into quantum-capable platforms
growing demand for scalable architectures, cryogenic components, materials, and error-correction technologies
With quantum systems progressing toward industrial and defense relevance, international programs like DARPA continue to shape the technology landscape Australia participates in.
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