The Biological Technologies Office (BTO) is DARPA’s one year old technology arm focused on leveraging advances in engineering and computer science to drive and reshape biotechnology for technological advantage. BTO grants $350MM annually for translational research in the areas of neurotechnology, human-machine interface, human performance, infectious disease and synthetic biology. Learn about this new source of funding for life sciences and have the opportunity to meet with Alicia afterwards to discuss your specific situation

About the Speaker: Dr. Alicia Jackson is currently the Deputy Director of the Biological Technologies Office (BTO) at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Pentagon’s principal engine for disruptive innovation. BTO is DARPA’s technology arm focused on leveraging advances in engineering and computer science to drive and reshape biotechnology for technological advantage. BTO is responsible for all neurotechnology, human-machine interface, human performance, infectious disease, and synthetic biology programs, totaling approximately $350 million annually. Previously, Dr. Jackson created and managed DARPA\’s synthetic biology portfolio through the Living Foundries Program.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Jackson served as Professional Staff for energy technology policy for the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy Committee. She has a long standing involvement and expertise in technology policy, serving as an Energy Scholar at Georgetown, a Fellow at the National Academies of Science, and co-establishing the Science Policy Initiative at MIT. Dr. Jackson received both her undergraduate and Doctorate degrees in materials science and engineering from MIT. Tickets.