DARPA – BioLogical Undersea Energy (BLUE)

The BioLogical Undersea Energy (BLUE) program seeks to develop power supplies that capture and convert microscopic forms of marine biomass (e.g., dissolved organic matter, phytoplankton, zooplankton) or other substances (e.g., microplastics) into electrical power. If successful, BLUE technologies will offer transformative and significant improvements over state-of-the-art batteries and other types of power supplies by enabling both high capability and long endurance for remote, ocean-deployed sensor systems.

Funding: No set ceiling; project-specific

Duration: Selected projects will be deployed in two phases: A base phase of 21 months followed by an optional add-on phase of 9 months (based on performance).

Eligibility: Non-U.S. organizations and/or individuals may participate to the extent that such participants comply with any necessary nondisclosure agreements, security regulations, export control laws, and other governing statutes applicable under the circumstances.

How to Apply:  The first step in the 2-step application process is the submission of an abstract (maximum of 3 pages), which should include a cover sheet, goals and impact, executive summary slides, a technical plan, notes on management capabilities, and a cost estimate. Proposal Abstracts submitted in response to HR001124S0010 must be submitted via DARPA’s BAA Website. If no account currently exists for the DARPA BAA Website, visit the website to complete the two-step registration process. If invited for a full proposal, these should be submitted via grants.gov. If needed, contact the Research Office to have your grants.gov account affiliated with EPFL. At the full proposal stage, the budget should be formulated using the SF-424 R&R Budget form; for assistance, please reach out to the Research Office.

Deadline, Abstract:             14 March 2024 (4 pm ET)

Further information

• More information about the program is available here
• Abstracts can be submitted on DARPA’s BAA Website