Spark Tank

DARPA is organizing the MXO Spark Tank event from November 2 to 4, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, to engage prospective proposers and collaborators in advancing the mission of the MXO program. Attendees will participate in overview presentations by MXO Program Managers and engage in dedicated one-on-one sidebar meetings with MXO Leadership to discuss potential opportunities, ongoing initiatives, and areas of interest. The event is designed to deepen understanding of MXO’s goals, expand outreach to nontraditional performers such as small businesses and educational institutions, and lower barriers for those new to DARPA and national security research. Registration for this in-person event will open on August 10, 2026, and is mandatory prior to the event—no onsite registration will be available. The initiative aims to streamline proposal preparation and evaluation while fostering a broader, more inclusive network of innovators aligned with DARPA’s objectives.