DARPA’s charter is radical innovation and a crucial characteristic for many of the DARPA programs is that it takes a long time from an idea’s conception to its use by the U.S. military. DARPA personnel welcome hard technical problems, even in the face of previous failure, if the technology offers revolutionary new capabilities for national security.

Patience and persistence are required for Program Managers, but they are often rewarded with having solved a DARPA “Hard” problem. DARPA’s pioneering work has lead to some of the most technologically advanced systems and applications of the century. But there are always more challenges and your idea may help be the next revolutionary solution.

The History

For nearly five decades, DARPA’s management methodology has been very successful at bridging the gap between fundamental discoveries and the provision of new military capabilities.

DARPA was borne of the space age, and all of the Agency’s initial projects were space-related. But its mission soon evolved to counter new threats. From ballistic missile defense to stealth aircraft, long-range unmanned systems and the Grand Challenge to the Internet, DARPA has contributed directly to some of the most deployed and well-known technologies.

As DARPA celebrates its 50th anniversary, join us in celebrating our past accomplishment and our future goals.

“As a parent of a sailor, I took on a sacred charge to provide our military with the best technologies.”
Carey Schwartz, former DARPA Program Manager

URBAN CHALLENGE
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