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 DARPA Open Mic (April 2, 2026)

April DARPA Open Mic Stay current with the latest DARPA opportunities, events, and announcements through monthly Open Mic sessions. These 30-minute, action-packed webinars provide essential updates from DARPA’s technical offices and offer guidance on how to engage with the agency. Discover how collaborating with DARPA can turn your ideas into groundbreaking innovations. Join Us: Date: April 2, 2026 Time: 1:00 - 1:30 PM Eastern Location: DARPAConnect Corner Live Webinar DARPA continues to set the standard for translating breakthrough research into operational advantage. Join the conversation and stay connected to what is next. Register now to secure your spot.