Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE)

About this funding opportunity

The DICE program seeks to develop the theory and algorithms for decentralized coordination and local inference control to enable a scalable, adaptive, and resilient collective of heterogeneous AI agents that can autonomously execute sustained long-time-horizon missions in contested environments while remaining under human control. In contrast to small-scale, rigid, and fragile centralized orchestration or the high-risk unpredictable nature of ad hoc compositions of AI agents, DICE aims to harness the scalability and adaptability of self-organizing systems while minimizing risks and ensuring that the collective behavior remains predictable and aligned with intended outcomes. This approach mirrors the principles of decentralized self-organization that underpin the internet's own scalability and resilience, where robust global behavior emerges from simple, local rules.

Topic areas: General and Cross-cutting R&D, Security and Defense, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

Funding amount

This cooperative agreement provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are due Aug 25, 2026. Confirm the exact closing time on the official program page before applying.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Other

Eligibility

All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal that shall be considered by DARPA. See the Eligibility Information section of the BAA for more information.

Agency

Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE) is administered by DARPA - Information Processing Technologies Office (IPTO), listed via Grants.gov.