Organoid Cytomorphic Intelligence Resulting from Convergent Understanding and Information Transfer (O-Circuit) DARPA-PS-26-28

While semiconductor-based computation is readily deployed in well-resourced environments, it is challenged by sustained applications at the edge due to inherent power inefficiencies. This is a particular limitation for the Department of War (DoW) when operating in austere environments, especially when using advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) applications with high energy demands for both training and inference. New unconventional computing concepts, such as synthetic biological intelligence, have the potential to fundamentally address these limitations but do not yet possess the necessary training and inference capabilities for practical applications. To meet these needs, the O-Circuit program will explore methods for improving the learning, inference, and computational memory of neural tissue systems to develop an integrated biological processing unit (BPU) that establishes a new paradigm for sense-compute-act for edge applications.