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

April Ask Me Anything (April 29, 2026)

On April 29th at 2 PM ET, join DARPAConnect for an exclusive "Ask Me Anything" webinar featuring some of DARPA’s top leaders and experts. This interactive session offers unparalleled insights into how to engage with DARPA, access funding opportunities, and become part of the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of national security. DARPA’s unwavering commitment to driving transformative technologies continues to create opportunities for innovators and collaborators across industry, academia, and beyond. Don’t miss this chance to connect with DARPA’s leadership, gain actionable insights, and position yourself to contribute to breakthroughs that will define the future. Join Us: • Date: April 29th • Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM Eastern • Location: DARPAConnect Corner Live Webinar Innovation is moving fast—don’t get left behind. Sign up now and be part of the conversation shaping tomorrow’s breakthroughs.