DARPAConnect

DARPA Lift Challenge: Revolutionizing Heavy Vertical Lift Aviation

DARPA Lift Challenge: Revolutionizing Heavy Vertical Lift Aviation DARPA is calling on innovators to help revolutionize vertical lift. The DARPA Lift Challenge offers $6.5 million in prizes to teams that can design drones capable of carrying payloads more than four times their own weight -- a breakthrough that could transform how drones are used for both military and civilian missions. From battlefield logistics to disaster response, this Challenge taps into the American spirit of innovation -- encouraging students, independent inventors, and industry to push the limits of aerodynamic design, propulsion, and materials science. The competition is slated for Summer 2026 , with the application period tentatively opening on January 5, 2026 . Learn More

DARPAConnect Mission Connect: Michigan

Join Us at DARPAConnect Mission Connect: Michigan! May 7, 2026 Ann Arbor, Michigan 8:15am – 4:00pm ET | Networking reception to follow University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI DARPA and the University of Michigan invite you to DARPAConnect Mission Connect: Michigan, a one-day event packed with actionable guidance, robust technical panels, and research spotlights designed to equip innovators with key insights on how to contribute to emerging national security challenges. Why DARPA? DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is the U.S. Department of War’s premier R&D agency, pursuing breakthrough innovations across artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, autonomy, and more. Known for turning bold ideas into real-world capabilities, DARPA plays a critical role in delivering advanced technology to the warfighter at speed. What is Mission Connect? Mission Connect is a new DARPAConnect event format that goes beyond traditional “How to DARPA” sessions. These events are designed to: R each: Make innovation accessible and connection achievable . Disrupt: Redefine the possible. Propel: Engage, excite, optimize. You’ll gain a clear understanding of where DARPA is investing, what’s coming next, and how to engage. Event Theme: Industrial Transformation This Mission Connect focuses on industrial transformation and its role in strengthening national security. DARPA is advancing efforts to rebuild and modernize the U.S. industrial base by: • Strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains • Accelerating the transition of critical technologies • Delivering capability to the warfighter faster and at scale What to Expect: This full-day event brings together industry, academia, and emerging businesses to engage directly with DARPA leadership and Program Managers. You will: • Explore DARPA Portfolios: Understand active research areas and future directions • Engage with Program Managers: Learn how to align your work with DARPA priorities • Identify Opportunities: See where your technology fits within mission needs • Experience Demos: Participate in technical discussions and see emerging capabilities • Build Connections: Network with DARPA and regional innovators Program Managers will share how their portfolios align to this effort and where they are seeking new ideas and performers. What You’ll Gain: • Practical guidance and best practices for navigating DARPA’s research environment and how to engage with the agency and Program Managers. • A deeper understanding of research portfolios and technical domains that challenge assumptions and redefine what’s possible. • An opportunity to explore emerging ideas and interest areas directly with Program Managers in specific research themes. • Robust networking with Program Managers and regional partners to build momentum and turn interest into action. Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided for all in-person participants. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with DARPA and contribute to advancing industrial transformation and national security innovation. Space is limited. Register today. We look forward to seeing you in Michigan!