From Idea to Impact: Partnering with DARPA Through SBIR/STTR

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) invests in bold, high-risk research to create breakthrough technologies that safeguard national security and shape the future. As part of this mission, DARPA reserves funding each year to support small businesses through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, designed to help entrepreneurs turn novel concepts into transformative capabilities.

In this session, you’ll walk attendees through:

1. How DARPA Works – A high-level overview of the agency’s mission, structure, and unique approach to innovation.
2. Funding Opportunities – A deep dive into DARPA’s SBIR/STTR programs, alongside other entry points for small businesses to engage with DARPA.
3. Getting Started – Practical guidance and tools from DARPAConnect, the agency’s new outreach and education initiative aimed at helping first-time participants navigate the process and succeed.

About the Speaker: Aaron Sparks is a trusted advisor and innovative thinker who supports DARPA's Small Business Programs Office (SBPO). He has over 15 years of experience supporting the SBIR/STTR programs across six different offices and DoD components, including Army, DHA, OSBP, and OSW (R&E). In his current role, Aaron provides subject matter expertise to the DARPA SBPO Director on the administration of the SBIR/STTR programs and facilitates the acceleration of innovative Small Business solutions to the hands of Warfighters.