DARPA AI Adult Learning Tools Competition Open for $750,000 in Awards

The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), an arm of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), is taking proposals to compete for $750,000 in awards to develop projects that use innovative AI approaches, such as self-directed, remote AI tutoring, to train adults for the current and future national security workforce.

DARPA is inviting technologists, researchers, students (including minors), teachers, and “creators of digital learning platforms or cutting-edge AI techniques to propose AI tools or technologies that can address the critical challenges facing adult learners,” the agency said. Successful tools will seek to create customized new skills learning experiences aimed at adults who have completed postsecondary education. Read the DARPA AI Tools for Adult Learning FAQ for more information.

The competition is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. entities. Non-U.S. participants can participate as part of a team but are not eligible to directly receive any part of an award. Go here to fill out an eligibility quiz.

There are three award levels:

  • Catalyst ($50,000): aimed at new participants, including students, teachers, civic technologists, or those who need that initial spark of support to get started.
  • Growth ($100,000): for teams that have a minimum viable product with some users upon which their new idea will build.
  • Transform ($250,000): for teams with an established platform with more than 10,000 users upon which the new idea will build.

Teams that qualify for the higher awards can compete for lesser awards if their project is in the beginning stages.

The deadline to submit abstracts is Dec. 18. 2022. A free engineering community virtual networking meeting is held the second Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. EST. The next one will be held Dec. 14, 2022. Read more about DARPA here.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • futuristic AI interface with glowing data streams and abstract neural network patterns

    OpenAI Launches Its Largest AI Model Yet

    OpenAI has introduced GPT-4.5, its largest AI model to date, code-named Orion. The model, trained with more computing power and data than any previous OpenAI release, is available as a research preview to select users.

  • A young figure sits on a floating platform with colorful waves, holding a glowing orb, while transparent bar graphs and pie charts rise subtly in the background on a gradient blue-to-yellow backdrop.

    Report: Student Mental Health Issues on the Rise

    Nearly half of school mental health providers (46%) in a recent survey said that student mental health has worsened this school year compared to last year.

  • A child surrounded by glowing, fluid virtual patterns and holographic shapes, illuminated in a dark gradient environment of blue, purple, and pink.

    ClassVR Gets Expanded VR/AR Content Library

    Avantis Education has announced a new content library for its ClassVR virtual and augmented reality platform. Dubbed Eduverse+, the library features four content suites — EduverseAI, WildWorld, STEAM3D, and CareerHub — that can be tailored to suit a variety of educational levels.

  • augmented reality goggles on a desk in a dark, shut-down production lab with neon accents and scattered tools

    Microsoft Transitioning Away from HoloLens Mixed Reality Hardware

    Microsoft has confirmed that hardware development for its HoloLens mixed reality headset has officially come to an end.