Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

About Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is an independent research and development agency of the U.S. Department of War (DoW), whose mission is to create and prevent technological surprise for national security. Working with innovators inside and outside government, we have delivered on our mission many times over – transforming the seemingly impossible into world-changing defense and national security capabilities. Unlike other agencies, DARPA is not satisfied with incremental advances. We push transformational breakthroughs – innovations that not only solve current challenges but also establish the U.S. as the leading driver of strategic technological invention. We’ve created game-changing military capabilities – precision weapons, stealth technology, nerve implants that return sensation to warriors who have lost limbs, and more – that stand as a marvel to militaries around the globe. Our innovations have also transformed civilian society, leading to the internet as we know it today, automated voice recognition and language translation, GPS receivers small enough to fit in consumer devices, and early investments in mRNA vaccine technology. We do this by fueling an innovation ecosystem that engages academic, industry, and government partners. By fostering a nurturing environment, we empower diverse collaborators to succeed faster. What comes next is limited only by the imagination.