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Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Decentralized Artificial Intelligence through Controlled Emergence (DICE)

Funds theory and algorithms for large teams of AI agents that coordinate themselves while staying under human control.

OpenDefense Advanced Research Projects AgencyUnited States

Militaries increasingly want to deploy not one autonomous system but many of them together, coordinating on a mission with no one available to micromanage them in real time. DICE exists to work out how that can be done without the coordination collapsing or running away from human control.

The program funds theory and algorithms for decentralized coordination and local inference control, aimed at…

Theory and algorithms for decentralized coordination and local inference control among scalable, adaptive collectives of heterogeneous AI agents executing long-duration missions in contested environments, with collective behaviour required to stay predictable and under human control rather than fully autonomous.

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

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HR001126S0010Source: www.grants.gov