Noah Chelednik
Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) announced it is soliciting proposals for early-stage research referred to as seedlings for next-generation microelectronics for artificial intelligence (AI). Interested parties must submit a white paper until May 17, while the proposals themselves are due June 30.
AI and machine learning (ML) are quickly becoming the most important emerging technology with a monumental impact on national defense, according to the agency. IARPA recognizes that AI and ML implementation into defense systems currently depends on insufficiently powerful computer models.
The computer models are made up of microelectronics and IARPA needs companies to create better, faster and more resilient microelectronics to exploit AI. Specifically, IARPA is seeking multidisciplinary teams that can co-design micro-electronics for AI technologies that improve the hardware, software, algorithm or architecture ecosystem for specific AI applications and technology that will enhance the performance of the microelectronics used to run AI applications.
AI and ML innovations correspond with the intelligence and national security communities and are therefore the responsibility for IARPA to nurture.
The microelectronic solicitation will look more into companies that can enhance hardware-software integration from material properties to hardware design, system architecture and software implementation.
The broad agency announcement solicits short-term research in topic areas not previously addressed by an IARPA program. It is primarily intended to facilitate early-stage research that may lead to more extensive, focused programs through another BAA in the future.
