Automated Discovery for Design and Control of Turbulent Systems (AutoDIDACTS)
🏛 DARPA - Defense Sciences Office
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and organizations developing automated discovery and control technologies for turbulent systems.
Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, small businesses, and large companies with R&D capabilities. DARPA encourages participation from minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses. Applicants must demonstrate technical expertise in computational methods, physics simulations, or control systems.
The program supports research across all U.S. states and territories. Funding covers fundamental research, development, and demonstration activities related to automated system design. Teams can include academic and industry partners collaborating on turbulence modeling and control innovations.
This grant is for researchers and organizations developing automated discovery and control technologies for turbulent systems.
Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, small businesses, and large companies with R&D capabilities. DARPA encourages participation from minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses. Applicants must demonstrate technical expertise in computational methods, physics simulations, or control systems.
The program supports research across all U.S. states and territories. Funding covers fundamental research, development, and demonstration activities related to automated system design. Teams can include academic and industry partners collaborating on turbulence modeling and control innovations.
Program description
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the data-informed development of generalizable models and principles for aeronautical design and the optimal control of turbulent systems. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for researchers and organizations developing automated discovery and control technologies for turbulent systems.
Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, small businesses, and large companies with R&D capabilities. DARPA encourages participation from minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses. Applicants must demonstrate technical expertise in computational methods, physics simulations, or control systems.
The program supports research across all U.S. states and territories. Funding covers fundamental research, development, and demonstration activities related to automated system design. Teams can include academic and industry partners collaborating on turbulence modeling and control innovations.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proposal narrative and technical approach
- Budget and cost justification
- Team resumes and biographical sketches
- Prior relevant publications or technical reports
- Letters of collaboration from team members or partners
- Facility and equipment descriptions
- Management plan and timeline
Program contact
- 👤 DARPA - Defense Sciences Office
- 📧 AutoDIDACTS@darpa.mil
- 📞 571-218-4565
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.910 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$44,089,743
-
$36,151,284
-
$33,938,157
-
$29,592,309
-
$28,734,050
-
$26,975,142
-
$26,089,306
-
$25,544,440
-
$25,503,840
-
$23,343,160
Top States by Funding
- CA 22 awards $252.2M
- MA 15 awards $149.7M
- MI 4 awards $75.0M
- NY 7 awards $58.9M
- NC 2 awards $52.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.910). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $465,182,503 | |
| 2025 | $322,093,385 | |
| 2026 est. | $352,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for AutoDIDACTS funding?
Universities, national labs, small businesses, and large contractors with research capabilities can apply. You must demonstrate relevant expertise in fluid dynamics or automated discovery.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is May 28, 2026. Applications open April 1, 2026. Submit early to avoid technical issues.
What activities does this grant support?
Funding covers research into automated discovery methods and control algorithms for turbulent flows. Projects may include simulations, experimental validation, and prototype development.
How competitive is this funding?
DARPA programs are highly competitive. Expect rigorous technical review. Strong track records and innovative approaches significantly improve chances.
What is the typical funding range?
DARPA research awards typically range from $500K to several million dollars depending on scope and duration. Check the solicitation for specific guidance on your technical area.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Read the full technical solicitation carefully before writing. DARPA has specific technical focus areas that change year to year.
- Clearly articulate the innovation. Explain how your approach differs from existing turbulence modeling or control methods.
- Show team capability. Include CVs and prior relevant work from key personnel and partner organizations.
- Be specific about deliverables. Define clear milestones, metrics, and demonstrations for each project phase.
- Plan for transitions and impact. DARPA values research that leads to practical DoD applications or broader technology adoption.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposers often overstate feasibility or underestimate technical risk. Be realistic about timeline and challenges.
Applications frequently lack sufficient technical depth or clear innovation relative to existing methods. Show why your approach matters.
Poor team composition or unclear roles reduce competitiveness. Define who does what and their qualifications clearly.
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