Request for Information: Low Resource Computing

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Multi X Office is seeking information on low resource computing paradigms that can be applied to microsystems but are not yet in use, with the goal of identifying transformative approaches to enable mission-critical computation in extreme operational environments where power, space, communication, and hardware reliability are severely constrained. This Request for Information targets innovative concepts across both physical and logical domains of computing, including ultra-low power systems operating at nanowatt levels, passive or energy-scavenging architectures, computation within byte- or kilobyte-scale memory, and systems designed to function reliably on noisy, degraded, or low-precision hardware. It further invites submissions that leverage legacy fabrication techniques, primitive technological ecosystems such as biological antenna arrays or computational origami, and nontraditional pathways like repurposing existing silicon technologies. Optionally, respondents may address logical constraints such as computation under minimal trust, limited system privileges, or self-hosting models that require no external infrastructure. Responses must be concise, structured as a single integrated submission with a one-page cover, up to four pages per physical resource category (or eight pages if combining a physical and logical category), a two-page reference list, and a one-slide visual summary detailing innovation and impact. All submissions must use 11-point font, 1-inch margins, and 8.5-by-11-inch pages, and be delivered in PDF or unprotected Word/PowerPoint format to DARPA-SN-26-97@darpa.mil by July 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Classified submissions require prior coordination via email with at least three business days’ notice. This RFI is issued solely for information and program planning and does not constitute a solicitation or binding contract; no reimbursement is offered for response costs, and responses are not offers under FAR 15.201(e). The Department of Defense is using this effort to assess the breadth of existing U.S. technologies that could be redirected toward resilient, supply-chain-independent computing solutions to prevent technological strategic surprise and enhance national resilience.