Generative Optogenetics (GO)

Description

{"description":"The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative concepts to design a protein complex that can be expressed in vivo (i.e., in a living cell) and responds to optical signals to synthesize a corresponding DNA or RNA sequence. This technology should enable massless transfer of genetic information to cells expressing the protein complex via a template-free mechanism that incorporates nucleotide bases in response to specific optical signals (e.g., different wavelengths of light). The GO program is focused on two main Research Objectives (ROs): (1) achieving the core capability of synthesizing DNA/RNA directly in living cells using optical signals, and (2) developing error mitigation methods that ensure high-fidelity nucleic acid synthesis. The acquisition process for GO will proceed through a two-stage process, starting with (1) written abstracts which will inform invitations to brief (2) an Oral Proposal Package (OPP) at DARPA."} Solicitation Number: DARPA-PS-26-10 Type: Solicitation Base Type: Solicitation NAICS: 541714 Classification Code: AC12 Response Deadline: 2026-02-26T16:00:00 Office Address: ARLINGTON, VA POC: Dr. Matthew J. Pava, Program Manager, GO@darpa.mil {"description":"The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative concepts to design a protein complex that can be expressed in vivo (i.e., in a living cell) and responds to optical signals to synthesize a corresponding DNA or RNA sequence. This technology should enable massless transfer of genetic information to cells expressing the protein complex via a template-free mechanism that incorporates nucleotide bases in response to specific optical signals (e.g., different wavelengths of light). The GO program is focused on two main Research Objectives (ROs): (1) achieving the core capability of synthesizing DNA/RNA directly in living cells using optical signals, and (2) developing error mitigation methods that ensure high-fidelity nucleic acid synthesis. The acquisition process for GO will proceed through a two-stage process, starting with (1) written abstracts which will inform invitations to brief (2) an Oral Proposal Package (OPP) at DARPA."}