DARPA’s Ag x BTO: Defending agriculture against natural and manmade threats

DARPA’s Ag × BTO Seminar & Lunch

Thursday, July 17 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM CT National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Seats are limited and there is no virtual stream—secure yours now.

Why This Seminar & Lunch Matters

Natural outbreaks and engineered biological threats can devastate crops, economies, and national security.

DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office (BTO) is directing Ag × BTO, a multiyear effort to fund breakthrough technologies that keep America’s food supply safe and resilient. This half-day seminar delivers a comprehensive briefing on the program’s goals, funding pathways, and partnership opportunities.

What You’ll Take Home

· Pinpoint the High-Priority Problem Sets DARPA Is Funding: Hear BTO Director Dr. Mike Koeris, Deputy Director Dr. Rob Saperstein, and program managers map out the biological-threat problems—and technical solutions—they’re ready to invest in now.

· Decode the Funding Path: See how seven-minute video pitches submitted via the DARPA ERIS Marketplace can earn an invitation-only workshop and Pitch Day in Washington, D.C.

· Master Proposal Must-Haves: Get actionable tactics for crafting your pitch video and build relationships with DARPA.

· Expand Your Network—Immediately: Over lunch, swap ideas and partner with startups, researchers, ag-tech firms, and defense primes—all in one room with BTO leaders.

Who Should Attend

· Emerging ag-tech & biotech startups aiming for rapid scale

· University researchers & labs seeking high-impact funding

· Established defense/dual-use contractors expanding into agricultural security

· Investors & innovation hubs scouting disruptive technologies

If safeguarding the nation’s food supply intersects with your mission, this is your event.

At a Glance

Program: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM CT 

Lunch: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM CT 

Venue: National Center for Supercomputing Applications, UIUC (Room 1122)

What Is DARPA?

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the U.S. Department of Defense’s premier R&D engine. From the internet to mRNA vaccines, DARPA turns audacious ideas into field-ready capabilities. Ag × BTO is one of its newest thrusts—don’t watch progress from the sidelines.