Overview of the MICA Program
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has recently announced a groundbreaking funding opportunity, titled “Microsystems Induced CAtalysis” (MICA). This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aims to enhance molecular science by creating advanced tools and techniques for controlling molecular catalysts using microsystems. This initiative goes beyond incremental scientific improvements, aiming instead to revolutionize molecular interactions at the nanoscale.
The State-of-the-Art Challenges
Current limitations in microsystem technology include:
- Inability to predict molecular behavior at inorganic interfaces.
- Challenges in nanoscale prediction precision for attachment of individual molecules relative to the active features of a microsystem.
- Inconsistent and/or low yields in fabricating systems that integrate multiple catalysts simultaneously.
MICA addresses these challenges with a focus on co-design strategies, iterative testing, and validation.
Program Vision and Objectives
Performers under this BAA will develop hardware demonstrations of molecular catalysts immobilized on microsystem surfaces, enabling catalytic activity controlled by physical forces such as photonics, magnetics, and thermodynamics. MICA’s mission is ambitious: to achieve precise, spatiotemporal control of catalytic activity, opening pathways for innovations in materials synthesis, medical therapeutics, and biothreat detection. Achieving this vision requires development in two technical areas (TAs):
- Functional co-design: Generation of modeling and simulation tools to accurately predict the structure and function of immobilized catalysts, with an emphasis on the performance of integrated molecular microsystems.
- Attachment co-design: Development of design and fabrication techniques to enable accurate placement and robust attachment of catalysts within microsystems, enabling multi-catalyst reaction cascades.
Each area emphasizes accuracy, scalability, and performance, aiming to break through current technological limitations. In each TA, Performers will develop the data sets, algorithms, and/or software required to demonstrate the relevant program metrics. Performers for TAs 1 and 2 will work collaboratively to achieve the goals of the program over the 39-month performance period.
Key Program Dates
- Proposal abstract due date: February 5th, 2025 at 1:00pm ET
- Question submittal closed: February 26th, 2025 at 4:00pm ET
- Proposal due date: March 20th, 2025 at 1:00pm ET
- Estimated Period of Performance start date: August 1st, 2025
Why MICA Matters
The MICA program is a testament to DARPA’s mission of driving scientific breakthroughs that challenge the status quo. By combining molecular science with microsystem engineering, it paves the way for innovations that could transform medicine, security, and materials science. This is an enticing opportunity for researchers and institutions looking to shape the future of molecular systems.
If your company has considered applying for Federal funding, your federal funding journey starts here.
For additional information about EverGlade Consulting, reach out to: [email protected]