Request for Information: Algorithms and Abstraction for Photonic Processing

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Multi X Office issued a Request for Information on algorithms and abstraction methodologies for photonic integrated circuits, with responses due by August 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. DARPA seeks algorithm-hardware co-design approaches targeting state-of-the-art photonic integrated circuits to unlock future Department of Defense capabilities. Responses are welcome from private and public companies, individuals, universities, research centers, not-for-profit institutions, and U.S. Government-sponsored labs; this RFI is unclassified and for information and program planning purposes only—responses do not constitute offers and cannot form binding contracts. DARPA requests submissions addressing three technical areas: algorithms leveraging on-chip photonic processing and chip-scale photonic signal processing applications; photonic abstraction stack methods and tools for compiling, synthesizing, optimizing, and verifying photonic-aware algorithms and integration with existing and new systems; and idea exploration encompassing key questions for viability of a new photonic compute stack, frameworks for answering those questions, and relevant organizational capabilities. Submissions must be concise unprotected Word, PowerPoint, or PDF documents using 11-point font with 1-inch margins, consisting of a one-page cover page, maximum four pages per technical area, one reference page, and summary slides. Submit unclassified responses to DARPA-SN-26-107@darpa.mil with technical questions directed to Dr. Anna Tauke-Pedretti, MXO Program Manager.