# Navigating DARPA with DARPA Connect - MTO Spark Tank

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2zICCjoTYc
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/m2zICCjoTYc
Generated: 2025-09-19T20:04:37.441+00:00

---
## Quick Overview

DARPA Connect offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including webinars, one-on-one coaching, office hours, and an "Open Mic with DARPA" series, designed to guide innovators through the process of engaging with DARPA and successfully navigating its programs and opportunities.

**Key Points:**
- DARPA Connect provides multiple avenues for engagement, including webinars, one-on-one coaching, office hours, and "Open Mic with DARPA" sessions.
- Webinars offer online opportunities to learn about DARPA mechanics directly from DARPA presenters.
- One-on-one coaching sessions allow participants to introduce their research interests and explore how they might fit at DARPA.
- Office hours provide 10-minute sessions for specific questions with DARPA in a private setting.
- The "Open Mic with DARPA" series offers 30-minute quick-hit sessions featuring updates from DARPA tech offices on announcements, funding, and upcoming events.
- The ERIS Marketplace streamlines the process of identifying and implementing cutting-edge solutions, with a submission deadline of August 31st for the AG BTO Special Topic Area.
- The ERIS Marketplace offers a 7-minute video pitch template and allows for multiple submissions to be reviewed by program managers, who provide feedback on refinement and alignment with DARPA's mission.

![Screenshot at 00:00: Title slide of the presentation, "Navigating DARPA with DARPA Connect," featuring Dr. Jess Resig, VP of Solutions Innovation, Applied Research Institute.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/m2zICCjoTYc/00-00-00.png)

**Context:** This presentation outlines DARPA Connect, a program designed to foster innovation and collaboration between DARPA, businesses, and academia. It details the various resources and platforms available through DARPA Connect, including regional and virtual events, curated curriculum, coaching and support, and robust networking opportunities. The presentation emphasizes DARPA's commitment to identifying and supporting untapped innovators by providing clear pathways to engage with the agency, understand its processes, and ultimately secure funding and opportunities.

## Detailed Analysis

The DARPA Connect program aims to bridge the gap between innovators and DARPA's extensive research and development opportunities. It offers a multi-faceted approach to engagement, encompassing a range of resources such as webinars, one-on-one coaching sessions, office hours for direct interaction with program managers, and the "Open Mic with DARPA" series for timely updates on agency activities.  The ERIS Marketplace is highlighted as a key component, streamlining the submission and review process for innovative ideas through short videos, with a focus on critical defense challenges and agricultural technologies. The presentation details the cyclical evaluation system of ERIS, where submitted videos are assessed by expert panels and program managers, providing timely feedback.  Furthermore, DARPA Connect emphasizes its online portal as a central hub for all resources, including event calendars and on-demand learning materials. The program boasts over 12,000 members and offers various ways to engage, from initial idea submission to ongoing support and networking, making it a crucial resource for those looking to collaborate with DARPA.

### DARPA Connect Overview

- Resources include webinars, one-on-one coaching, office hours, "Open Mic with DARPA"
- Goal is to guide innovators through DARPA engagement

### ERIS Marketplace

- Streamlines identifying/implementing cutting-edge solutions
- Submissions for AG BTO topic area due August 31st
- Features 7-minute video pitch template and expert review process

### ERIS Process

- Video assessment by expert panel
- PM reviews and determines acceptance
- Video available to DARPA PMs and other .mil users
- PM utilization for post-competition awardability

### DARPA Connect Online Portal

- Central hub for all DARPA Connect resources
- Over 12,000 members to date
- Offers webinars, one-on-one coaching, office hours, "Open Mic" sessions
- Provides a directory and resources for navigating DARPA

### Key Takeaways

- DARPA Connect offers diverse engagement opportunities
- ERIS Marketplace provides a streamlined process for idea submission and review
- The online portal serves as a comprehensive resource hub

![Screenshot at 00:00: Title slide introducing the presentation "Navigating DARPA with DARPA Connect" and the speaker, Dr. Jess Resig.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/m2zICCjoTYc/00-00-00.png)
![Screenshot at 00:34: Slide defining DARPA Connect's mission: to broaden DARPA's reach and stimulate growth and collaboration between DARPA, businesses, and academia.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/m2zICCjoTYc/00-00-34.png)
![Screenshot at 02:08: Slide detailing "The Connect Journey" with steps: Identify, Engage, Train, Mentor, and highlighting "Key Offerings" like Regional and Virtual Events, Curated Curriculum, Coaching and Support, and Robust Networking.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/m2zICCjoTYc/00-02-08.png)
![Screenshot at 03:38: Slide showcasing "Regional Pop-Up Events" scheduled for 2025, listing locations and dates: Minneapolis, MN \(February\); Huntsville, AL \(May\); Virtual \(July\); Bozeman, MT \(September\); Seattle, WA \(December\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/m2zICCjoTYc/00-03-38.png)
![Screenshot at 04:56: Slide titled "The Connect Corner Live Event Series" outlining different session types: Webinars, Ask Me Anything, One-on-One Coaching, Office Hours, and Open Mic with DARPA.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/m2zICCjoTYc/00-04-56.png)
![Screenshot at 08:09: Slide titled "Customized Curriculum" listing "Current Lessons Include" such as DARPA 101, SBIR/STTR programs, and other relevant topics.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/m2zICCjoTYc/00-08-09.png)
![Screenshot at 09:41: Slide titled "DARPA Connect Online Portal" with the URL www.DARPAConnect.us and highlighting "12,000+ Members to Date."](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/m2zICCjoTYc/00-09-41.png)
![Screenshot at 11:15: Diagram illustrating "How Does the ERIS Marketplace Work?" in a circular flow: Create & Upload Video, Video Assessment by Expert Panel, PM Reviews & Determines, Video Available to DARPA PMs, PM Utilization.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/m2zICCjoTYc/00-11-15.png)