§ Federal grant opportunity · HR001126S0010

    Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE)

    DARPA - Information Processing Technologies Office is accepting applications for Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE). The deadline is August 25, 2026 and the published award range is Award amount not published.

    Key facts

    Funder
    DARPA - Information Processing Technologies Office
    Application deadline
    August 25, 2026
    Award range
    Award amount not published
    Eligibility
    All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal that shall be considered by DARPA. See the Eligibility Information section of the BAA for more information.
    Geography
    United States
    Focus areas
    Research
    Opportunity number
    HR001126S0010

    Program overview

    The DICE program seeks to develop the theory and algorithms for decentralized coordination and local inference control to enable a scalable, adaptive, and resilient collective of heterogeneous AI agents that can autonomously execute sustained long-time-horizon missions in contested environments while remaining under human control. In contrast to small-scale, rigid, and fragile centralized orchestration or the high-risk unpredictable nature of ad hoc compositions of AI agents, DICE aims to harness the scalability and adaptability of self-organizing systems while minimizing risks and ensuring that the collective behavior remains predictable and aligned with intended outcomes. This approach mirrors the principles of decentralized self-organization that underpin the internet's own scalability and resilience, where robust global behavior emerges from simple, local rules.

    How to apply

    1. Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
    2. Read the full funding opportunity announcement from DARPA - Information Processing Technologies Office.
    3. Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
    4. Submit before August 25, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.

    View the official funding announcement

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