* Type: Conquer 15
* Weapons: Singularity laser (24)
* Secret projects: The Singularity Inductor
* Comes from: Singularity mathematics, applied gravitonics
* Leads to: Transcendent thought

Cyberethics
Extremely worthwhile for the researcher, cyberethics provides the knowledge value system as well as the potentially technically rich and rewarding Planetary Datalinks special project. Both Hive and University players have quick paths to this technology.

* Type: Build 4
* Secret projects: The Planetary Datalinks
* Socio-economic model: Knowledge
* Comes from: Planetary networks, intellectual integrity
* Leads to: Superstring theory, presentient algorithms

Digital Sentience
Introducing an endgame social model (cybernetic) and a research-boosting secret project, digital sentience should be a natural progression for the research-minded player.

* Type: Discover 10
* Secret projects: The Network Backbone
* Socio-economic model: Cybernetic
* Comes from: Industrial nanorobotics, mind-machine interface
* Leads to: Applied gravitonics, self-aware machine, sentient econometrics

Doctrine Air Power
Most players will aim their research toward this advance for the ability to produce fighter planes. Though the Spartan Federation has the shortest route to air power, the road through synthetic fossil fuels could have more rewards.

* Type: Explore 5
* Chassis type: Needlejet (8)
* Abilities: Air superiority
* Base facilities: Aerospace complex
* Comes from: Synthetic fossil fuels, Doctrine Flexibility
* Leads to: Mind-machine interface, orbital spaceflight

Doctrine Flexibility
Providing all the necessary building blocks for sea expansion, Doctrine Flexibility comes from only one low-level advance, the ability to mobilize.

* Type: Explore 2
* Chassis types: Foil (4)
* Weapons: Troop transport (equipment)
* Unit types: Transport foil, sea formers
* Base facilities: Pressure dome
* Comes from: Doctrine Mobility
* Leads to: Advanced military algorithms, Doctrine Initiative, Doctrine Air Power