Generative Optogenetics Proposers Workshop

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is hosting a Proposers Workshop for the Generative Optogenetics (GO) program, which aims to develop a molecular machine that can be expressed in living cells to transduce genetic information transmitted masslessly via optical signals into nucleic acid sequences. The program consists of two phases: Phase 1 (12 months) focuses on refining molecular components and de-risking integration strategies, while Phase 2 (30 months) focuses on integration and demonstration of the NAC platform in vivo. The program has two research objectives: RO1 focuses on de novo synthesis, and RO2 focuses on error mitigation. Proposers are required to submit abstracts, which will be reviewed by the Government, and selected proposers will be invited to brief their Oral Presentation Package (OPP). • The GO program aims to develop a protein complex that can be expressed in living cells to allow an end user to program genetic instructions into those cells using nothing but light to transfer the genetic information to the cells. • The program consists of two phases: Phase 1 (12 months) and Phase 2 (30 months). • The program has two research objectives: RO1 focuses on de novo synthesis, and RO2 focuses on error mitigation. • Proposers are required to submit abstracts, which will be reviewed by the Government, and selected proposers will be invited to brief their Oral Presentation Package (OPP). • The program incorporates a DARPA-sponsored workshop scheduled for month 5, where all teams will be expected to present their research. • The program has four major technical milestones spread across the two program phases, and each of these milestones is associated with a set of quantitative metrics.