DARPA Lift Challenge: Redefining What Drones Can Do

DARPA Lift Challenge: Redefining What Drones Can Do

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.

Live performance trials are planned for Summer 2026, with registration opening January 5, 2026.

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