DARPA is seeking submissions of innovative basic or applied research concepts in the technical domain of neuromodulation as a means of enhancing Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep mechanisms associated with stress adaption and traumatic memory consolidation.
Up to USD$1M is available for a combined Phase 1 – Feasibility (9 Months) and Phase 2 – Proof of Concept (12 months).
REM REST aims to identify neural mechanisms and demonstrate the ability to modulate REM sleep that improves stress adaptation and traumatic memory consolidation.
Performers must use established neuromodulation technologies that do not require extensive safety testing prior to human studies. Although DARPA is seeking emerging technologies, performers must be able to conduct proof-of-concept human subject trials within the 21-month time frame of this Disruption Opportunity and will need to articulate a feasible research plan to accomplish the requisite human subjects testing. The novel applications of existing neuromodulation technologies to target REM sleep and demonstrate ability to measure and enhance neural mechanisms of stress and trauma adaption are of particular interest. Furthermore, although innovative open-loop approaches are within scope, performers are encouraged to develop closed-loop systems for personalized enhancement of REM while sleeping.
This opportunity is issued as part of the Defenses Sciences Office Distruptioneering Program DARPA-PA-23-03.
Documentation
Disruption Opportunity – REM REST: DARPA-PA-23-03-02
Program Announcement – Disruptioneering: DARPA-PA-23-03 (1)
