The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), through its Biological Technologies Office (BTO), has announced the Medics Autonomously Stopping Hemorrhage (MASH) program (DARPA-PS-25-34). This initiative targets one of the leading causes of preventable battlefield deaths: non-compressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH). With nearly a quarter of combat fatalities in recent conflicts deemed potentially survivable, and over half of those linked to torso bleeding, DARPA is investing in technologies to extend survival windows for wounded service members. MASH’s vision is to provide medics with autonomous systems capable of stabilizing casualties for 48+ hours, bridging the critical time gap until definitive surgical care is available.
Solicitation Overview
MASH seeks to demonstrate that autonomous robotic systems can detect, localize, and stop life-threatening internal bleeding without requiring a surgeon. The program will develop laboratory demonstrator systems that merge multimodal sensors, autonomy software, and minimally invasive robotic end effectors. These demonstrators are expected to buy precious hours for casualty stabilization in forward medical settings (Role 1 Military Treatment Facilities).
The program is structured as a 36-month effort across two phases:
- Phase I (24 months): Develop foundational capabilities in bleed detection, anatomical localization, robotic navigation, and proof-of-principle hemorrhage control. Capability demonstrations will validate key technical elements such as automated bleed detection, end effector efficacy, and robotic positioning.
- Phase II (12 months): Integrate these elements into an end-to-end autonomous workflow, culminating in independent verification and validation testing. In parallel, teams will design a field-portable prototype system, the “Objective System”, that translates laboratory demonstrations into far-forward medical applications.
DARPA anticipates that successful performers will not only advance battlefield medicine but also accelerate innovation in robotic and minimally invasive surgery.
Key Dates
- Proposers’ Day (Virtual, Optional): September 18, 2025
- Questions Due: October 8, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST
- Abstracts Due: October 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST
- Full Proposal November 25, 2025
Funding Information
- Award Instrument: Other Transactions (OT) for Prototype Agreements
- Number of Awards: Multiple awards anticipated
- Period of Performance: 36 months (24-month base period + 12-month option period)
Advancing Trauma Care and Human Health
The MASH program has the potential to transform trauma care by enabling autonomous hemorrhage control in environments where surgical expertise is unavailable. By extending survival windows beyond the “Golden Hour,” this program could significantly reduce preventable battlefield deaths and inform advances in civilian emergency medicine.
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