Stephen Winchell
Federal Leadership
Stephen Winchell became DARPA’s 24th director in 2025, taking charge of an agency known for pursuing ambitious research that can change national security capabilities. He previously led AI and autonomy work at the Pentagon’s Strategic Capabilities Office and served as chief engineer for Project Maven, the military’s algorithmic warfare effort. Winchell’s experience also includes work at the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity and an AI security startup. A former Navy submarine officer, he brings technical and operational perspectives to DARPA’s research portfolio. As director, he sets the agency’s vision for developing breakthrough technologies and anticipating technological surprise.
