Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING)   2

Background
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is issuing this funding opportunity to support the Hearing Enhancement through Artificially Intelligent Neurotechnology (HEARING) Program. The goal of this program is to develop innovative solutions that restore hearing through advanced neurotechnological devices and algorithms.

ARPA-H anticipates multiple awards using Other Transaction (OT) award types resulting from this announcement, inviting interested parties to review the HEARING Special Notice ARPA-H-SN-26-154 and Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) ARPA-H-SOL-26-154.

Work Details
The contract encompasses three main technical areas (TAs):

- TA1 focuses on the development of intracortical devices for hearing restoration, requiring integration with TA2's wireless power and communication specifications and TA3's auditory processing algorithms. Proposals must detail minimally invasive delivery approaches, device design, operation parameters, biocompatibility, safety, and manufacturing plans.

- TA2 involves creating a dynamic sound modulator that serves as an interface between users and the auditory system, emphasizing usability, audio pathway performance, power management, and safety features.

- TA3 is responsible for developing real-time auditory read/write algorithms that interpret neural signals and control auditory processing to enhance hearing capabilities. Each proposal must outline strategies for integration across TAs, clinical protocols for testing, and metrics for evaluating success throughout the program phases.

Place of Performance
The work will primarily take place in Arlington, VA during the Proposers' Day event aimed at facilitating collaboration among interested parties.