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

February DARPA Open Mic (February 5, 2026)

February DARPA Open Mic | Featuring Colleen Ryan, Chief Talent Officer DARPA Open Mic is your monthly, all-facts briefing straight from the Agency. Concise, current, and focused on what matters most. In January, the spotlight turns to how DARPA moves breakthrough technologies beyond research and into real-world impact. This session features insights from Colleen Ryan, Chief Talent Officer , who will share how DARPA accelerates the transition of high-risk, high-impact technologies into the commercial and defense ecosystems. Colleen will discuss the office’s priorities, how it works with performers and mission partners, and what it takes to scale DARPA-funded innovations critical to the Department of War’s mission. Plus, a 15-Minute Rundown with fast-paced updates on the latest programs, pathways, funding opportunities, and upcoming events across DARPA’s technical offices. Why Attend: Gain insight into how DARPA recruits, deploys, and empowers world-class talent to execute high-risk, high-impact programs Understand how performers, researchers, and partners fit into DARPA’s talent and execution model Learn how talent strategy supports transition, scale, and real-world impact of DARPA-funded technologies Hear directly from the leader shaping how DARPA builds teams to move fast and deliver mission outcomes Join Us: Date: February 5, 2026 Time: 11:00 - 11:30 AM 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.