DARPA -- the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency -- is well known for its technology innovations. Founded in 1958 as America’s response to the Soviet Union’s launching of the Sputnik satellite, DARPA invented the Internet (no, it wasn't Al Gore), the stealth technology used in fighter aircraft, high-energy laser technology for space-based missile defense, and much, much more. DARPA’s mission is to maintain the technological superiority of the U.S. military and prevent technological surprise from harming our national security by sponsoring revolutionary, high-payoff research bridging the gap between fundamental discoveries and their military use.

If you own or run a small technology business, DARPA would like to hear from you. Each year DARPA invites small businesses to submit proposals for innovative research and development projects that will further the agency's mission via its Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. DARPA recently issued Volume 2 of its SBIR/STTR Success Reports -- take a look to see the kinds of innovative projects small businesses are being funded to pursue for the agency.

Interested in learning more? Check out this video -- Doing Business with DARPA: A Small Business Primer -- for more information about the SBIR program and how you can apply to participate. Who knows, maybe your company will earn a spot in the next volume of DARPA's SBIR Success Reports.