Information & Communications Technology

Information & Communications Technology (ICT) under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) aims to advance innovative computing systems and communications technologies for national defense. The High Productivity, High-Performance Responsive Architectures project focuses on developing computer hardware and software technologies for future national security applications, including quantum technology and efficient data extraction from large datasets. The Cyber Security project is dedicated to developing computing, networking, and cyber security technologies to protect DoD, U.S. government, and civilian information systems from cyber threats. The Artificial Intelligence and Human-Machine Symbiosis project aims to enable machines to function as trustworthy partners to human operators by understanding human language, extracting information, reasoning, and applying knowledge gained through experience.

The specific objectives of the ICT program include fostering innovation and robust transition planning in technology cycles by working with entrepreneurs to increase the likelihood that DARPA-funded technologies take root in the U.S. and provide new capabilities for national defense. Additionally, the program aims to develop technologies that enhance the resilience of information systems to current and emerging cyber threats, enable broad situational awareness of the cyber domain, and provide a basis for accurate, calibrated, and safe cyber response. Furthermore, the program seeks to create new computing platforms including quantum technology and efficiently extract information out of large and chaotic data sets with embedded low-size, weight, and power systems. These advancements will allow DoD electronic systems to collaboratively manage scarce resources such as the electromagnetic spectrum and adapt to new requirements and situations.