DARPA and the University of Michigan invite you to Mission Connect: Ann Arbor, MI

DARPA and the University of Michigan invite you to Mission Connect: Ann Arbor, MI — a one-day event focused on industrial transformation and connecting innovators to emerging national security challenges and opportunities.

Event Details
Date: May 7, 2026
Time: 8:15am – 4:00pm ET | Networking reception to follow
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (virtual option available)
Register Here: https://events.bizzabo.com/MichiganMissionConnect

Why DARPA?
DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is the U.S. Department of War’s premier R&D agency, pursuing breakthrough innovations across artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, autonomy, and more.

Known for turning bold ideas into real-world capabilities, DARPA plays a critical role in delivering advanced technology to the warfighter at speed.

What is Mission Connect?
Mission Connect is a new DARPAConnect event format focused on where DARPA is going next — including how the agency is driving industrial transformation to rebuild and scale critical capabilities. This is not just “how to work with DARPA.” It is how to align your work to mission needs, emerging priorities, and real opportunities.

You will leave with a clear understanding of:

• Where DARPA is investing
• What technical areas are gaining momentum
• How to position your work for impact

What to Expect
This full-day event brings together industry, academia, and emerging businesses to engage directly with DARPA leadership and Program Managers driving industrial transformation efforts. You will:

• Explore DARPA Portfolios: Understand active research areas and emerging directions, including efforts tied to reindustrialization and advanced manufacturing
• Engage with Program Managers: Learn how to align your work with mission needs and evolving technical priorities
• Identify Opportunities: See where your technology fits within mission needs and capability gaps
• Experience Demos: Participate in technical discussions and see emerging capabilities shaping the future industrial base
• Build Connections: Network with DARPA and regional innovators contributing to industrial transformation

Program Managers will share how their portfolios align to mission needs and where they are seeking new ideas and performers.

Space is limited. Secure your spot today

https://events.bizzabo.com/MichiganMissionConnect

Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided for all in-person participants.

Ann Arbor SPARK

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