The weekly activities in the BITS program evolve over its 15-week duration. The beginning of the program focuses on field strategy, which involves extensive data collection through conversations with experts to refine the initial idea. This is followed by a stage of idea refinement, where fellows work on structuring their program, often using a framework of questions to clarify their concept. As the program progresses, the focus shifts towards producing and iterating on deliverables, such as a concise two-page program description and a 15-minute pitch deck. Throughout the program, fellows participate in weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions and small group meetings with other fellows.

Mentors in the BITS program are primarily former program managers from ARPA agencies like DARPA and ARPA-E. They are selected for their experience in managing advanced R&D. While efforts are made to align mentors with the fellow's technical area, the primary value of the mentorship is in guiding the process of program development and fostering an ambitious mindset. Mentors also provide valuable networking opportunities by connecting fellows with their contacts.

Most of the time commitment is estimated at 8-10 hours per week is exploratory calls with experts, reading and writing and can be scheduled on your own time. Mentor sessions are 30-60 minutes per week, scheduled to suit your and your mentor’s schedules. Small group sessions will be allocated partly based on schedule preferences. Weekly office hours and guest lectures are optional and will be recorded for participant access.

There is no strict cutoff. We expect the cohort to be a mix of experienced industry professionals, professors and post-docs, exited entrepreneurs and talented individuals in earlier stages of their careers. Experience from more than one sector is a plus but not a must.

While the ARPA program manager model centers on a single individual, the BiTS program is open to considering applications from pairs. In such cases, one individual would need to be designated as the primary fellow responsible for the program. The possibility of another team member joining mentorship sessions or other parts of the program can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, you can apply without a current affiliation or if you anticipate a change. However, if you start a new job during the program, it is crucial to ensure that your new employer is supportive of the roughly 10-hour weekly time commitment required for the BITS program.

Yes, individuals who are not scientists but have a technical background, such as engineers or technical entrepreneurs, are encouraged to apply. The key consideration is whether the applicant has the necessary experience and credibility to execute the ambitious idea they are proposing. A Ph.D. is not a strict requirement; what matters is the relevant technical and entrepreneurial background.

Success for a BITS fellow involves translating their ambitious idea into a concrete and fundable program. This can manifest in several ways, including:

• Securing a position at an organization like ARIA, SPRIND or ARPA-H.

• Launching a Focused Research Organization (FRO) with philanthropic funding.

• Obtaining a role in a traditional philanthropy to deploy large-scale capital.

• Building their program within a large, well-funded research institute.

The program culminates in a "demo day" where fellows present their program plans to a variety of potential funders, including ARPAs, philanthropies, and impact investors.

The BiTS program focuses on ideas that fall into a specific gap. If a problem can be addressed through a traditional academic grant within a single lab, it may not require the large-scale, coordinated effort that BiTS aims to foster. Similarly, if an idea is mature enough to attract venture capital, it likely doesn't need the kind of high-risk, pre-commercial investment that organizations like ARIA or philanthropic funders provide. The program seeks to support projects that are either too early for venture funding or are public goods that cannot be privately monetized.

We encourage applications from Europe and Africa, within 2 hours difference from GMT. In addition, all participants have to be able to join the in-person kickoff in September and demo day in December. As long as you meet those requirements, you are welcome to apply.