DARPA Seeks AI-Based Adult Learning Solutions in New Competition

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has announced the second edition of its search for artificial intelligence-driven tools for adult education and workforce development in advanced technological fields like data science. 

Run under the banner “Building an Adaptive & Competitive Workforce,” the project will award $750,000 to the winning tools. The competition has three phases, with Feb. 26 as the Phase I deadline for abstract submissions for initial screening. Entries that qualify will be invited to submit proposal details for Phase II onward to a Phase III virtual presentation, DARPA said.

According to Wil Corvey, AI tools for adult learning program manager in DARPA’s Information Innovation Office, the competition focuses on AI tools that also leverage large language models and feature innovative self-directed tutoring systems.

DARPA is holding the competition via the Tools Competition platform, which will host a virtual information session for interested parties on Jan. 29.

The agency launched the adult-learning project in the 2022 fall, with its first winners announced in September 2023 topped by TutorGen and the team of SkyHive and the Society for Manufacturing Engineering.