The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency will conduct Proposers Days on Feb. 2 and 3 to discuss its Neural Engineering System Design program with potential contractors.
DARPA’s NESD initiative seeks to develop implantable neural interface systems that will work to facilitate information transfer and signal resolution between the human brain and digital networks, the agency said Tuesday.
“Today’s best brain-computer interface systems are like two supercomputers trying to talk to each other using an old 300-baud modem,†said Phillip Alvelda, NESD program manager.
“Imagine what will become possible when we upgrade our tools to really open the channel between the human brain and modern electronics.â€
The agency also expects the program to result in new implantable neural devices that have potential treatment applications and could help in research efforts in the field of neurotechnology.
The program’s first technical area will focus on the development of algorithms and neural transducers, while the second technical area will deal with hardware and prototype development, integration and validation of neural systems and other components, according to a special notice posted on FedBizOpps.
The Proposers Days will be held in Arlington, Virginia, and will feature teaming sessions and presentations by potential contractors.
Registration for the event is open until Jan. 28, according to the notice.