US Army Research Office logo
ARO Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR)

ARO DEPSCoR (Annual Cycle)

Supports institutions in underserved regions with research funding for non-traditional defense science.

Between cyclesUS Army Research OfficeUnited States

The Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) is DoD's analogue to the NSF EPSCoR program, designed to build research capacity at institutions of higher education in states and territories that have historically been underrepresented in federal research funding. ARO, ONR, and AFOSR jointly execute the program, with each service agency independently funding proposals a…

Science and engineering research relevant to DoD/DoW priorities and the National Defense Strategy. No specific topic restrictions beyond defense relevance.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.36 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Sign up free to see how to apply

Sign up free to see the timeline

Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: arl.devcom.army.mil