CoasterChase

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), through its Biological Technologies Office, is announcing the "CoasterChase" Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), designated HR001125S0014. This program seeks to fund innovative research that integrates enteric neuroscience, neuromodulation technologies, and ingestible electronic platforms to modulate the human stress response. The announcement was posted on June 26, 2025, with an industry day scheduled for July 7, 2025. Abstracts are encouraged and due by July 24, 2025, with full proposals due by August 28, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET. DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office supports the discovery and application of technologies that leverage complex biological systems. The CoasterChase program aims to develop an ingestible device capable of real-time monitoring and modulation of peripheral neuropeptides from within the small intestine. This initiative targets the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through stimulation of the enteric nervous system to alter circulating stress-related biomarkers such as neuropeptide Y (NPY) and cortisol. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance warfighter performance and stress resilience under extreme conditions. CoasterChase is a 24-month program divided into two 12-month phases. Phase 1 focuses on sensing and stimulation technology development and in vivo testing of enteric neuron modulation and biomarker tracking. Phase 2 emphasizes system integration and behavioral validation in large-animal models, with exclusion of non-human primates, cats, and dogs. The program will also explore demographic, situational, and temporal stress factors. The integrated platform must include a closed-loop control algorithm and meet DARPA’s strict metrics on miniaturization, biomarker sensitivity, and device durability in gastrointestinal environments. DARPA anticipates making multiple awards, with total program funding up to $25 million, pending availability. Award instruments may include procurement contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transaction agreements (for research or prototyping). While no cost-sharing is required, all research involving animal subjects must receive approvals from Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) and the U.S. Army's ACURO. Proposals must include detailed plans for meeting program metrics, technical integration across both key Functional Areas (FA1 for enteric neuromodulation, FA2 for platform development), and a risk assessment using the required template. Eligibility is broad and includes U.S. and non-U.S. entities, public and private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, nonprofits, small businesses, and tribal organizations. UARCs and FFRDCs may not apply without prior authorization. Submissions are anticipated to be unclassified. DARPA encourages diverse participation and explicitly welcomes proposals from HBCUs and minority-serving institutions, although no portion is reserved exclusively for these applicants. For proposal submission, several attachments are required, including abstract and proposal templates, budget spreadsheets, and a risk matrix. Evaluation criteria include scientific and technical merit, team capabilities, relevance to DARPA’s mission, and cost realism. Proposals must be submitted electronically by the listed deadline. The primary point of contact is the BAA Coordinator, available at CoasterChase@darpa.mil. Mailing correspondence should be addressed to DARPA/BTO, ATTN: HR001125S0014, 675 North Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203-2114.