[{"title":"A. Shulenberger","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur team is developing technology for Verdant Flight Inc., a California-based drone technology company. We intend to develop the drone for medevac applications.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: San Francisco, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur team is developing technology for Verdant Flight Inc., a California-based drone technology company. We intend to develop the drone for medevac applications.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: San Francisco, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"AdlerAerospace","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdlerAerospace is a U.S. aerospace and defense company developing advanced unmanned aircraft systems. Its Atlas4 and Atlas6 platforms provide long-endurance, heavy-lift capabilities for logistics, ISR, communications relay, and emergency response missions for defense and security users.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Jackson, Wyo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdlerAerospace is a U.S. aerospace and defense company developing advanced unmanned aircraft systems. Its Atlas4 and Atlas6 platforms provide long-endurance, heavy-lift capabilities for logistics, ISR, communications relay, and emergency response missions for defense and security users.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Jackson, Wyo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-adler-aerospace.png?itok=6osdTDbs\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022adler-aerospace \u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Adv Maneuvering","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Advanced Maneuvering team members are professionals at having ideas, failing epically, and trying again. They have made invention after invention and have blown up three jet engines and one test stand in their pursuit of greatness.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Mantua, Utah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Advanced Maneuvering team members are professionals at having ideas, failing epically, and trying again. They have made invention after invention and have blown up three jet engines and one test stand in their pursuit of greatness.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Mantua, Utah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Agriculture Tech","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAgriculture Technologies, LLC, develops aviation technology for the agricultural aviation industry. Founded by Collin Hundley and Robert Ching, the team leverages decades of engineering and aviation experience to explore next-generation heavy-lift aircraft concepts as a competitor in DARPA\u0027s Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Zeeland, Mich.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAgriculture Technologies, LLC, develops aviation technology for the agricultural aviation industry. Founded by Collin Hundley and Robert Ching, the team leverages decades of engineering and aviation experience to explore next-generation heavy-lift aircraft concepts as a competitor in DARPA\u0027s Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Zeeland, Mich.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-ag-technologies.png?itok=B5OrjMkL\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022Ag Technologies\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"AirDare","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAirDare pairs hands-on aerospace craftsmanship with AI-driven design. Damjan Zabovnik (Joby Aviation, ZeroAvia, Calfee Design) builds advanced composite VTOL aircraft. Oleg Kuybeda, PhD, leads algorithm-driven engineering optimization.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Portland, Ore.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAirDare pairs hands-on aerospace craftsmanship with AI-driven design. Damjan Zabovnik (Joby Aviation, ZeroAvia, Calfee Design) builds advanced composite VTOL aircraft. Oleg Kuybeda, PhD, leads algorithm-driven engineering optimization.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Portland, Ore.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-air-dare.png?itok=HqNzH-pi\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-air-dare \u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Airmigos","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAirmigos is a self-funded team of three garage inventors who do it all: engineering, building, and piloting. They have won a dozen drone competitions and built numerous large drones on tight budgets and timelines. Their drone is simple, light, powerful, and made to win.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Fairfax, Va.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAirmigos is a self-funded team of three garage inventors who do it all: engineering, building, and piloting. They have won a dozen drone competitions and built numerous large drones on tight budgets and timelines. Their drone is simple, light, powerful, and made to win.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Fairfax, Va.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-airmigos.png?itok=gzHkaZBX\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-airmigos\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Alpine Combat","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlpine Combat Systems, LLC, is a veteran-owned defense innovator specializing in R\u0026amp;D of tactical equipment, heavy-lift UAVs, and advanced 3D manufacturing \u0026amp;ndash; delivering warfighter solutions.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Fountain, Colo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlpine Combat Systems, LLC, is a veteran-owned defense innovator specializing in R\u0026amp;D of tactical equipment, heavy-lift UAVs, and advanced 3D manufacturing \u0026amp;ndash; delivering warfighter solutions.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Fountain, Colo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-alpine-power.png?itok=Ps_eRjff\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022Alpine Combat\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"APRAD","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA bunch of YouTubers and engineers with a backwards way of designing revolutionary new DARPA aircraft. We reverse previous expectations of heavy lift to lift heavy!\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Dayton, Ohio\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA bunch of YouTubers and engineers with a backwards way of designing revolutionary new DARPA aircraft. We reverse previous expectations of heavy lift to lift heavy!\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Dayton, Ohio\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"APTOS AERO","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAPTOS AERO is an engineering studio based in Berkeley, Calif. Jean-Francois Clavreul is a mechanical and \u0026nbsp;aerospace engineer with 25 years of experience in designing and prototyping fun vehicles.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Berkeley, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAPTOS AERO is an engineering studio based in Berkeley, Calif. Jean-Francois Clavreul is a mechanical and \u0026nbsp;aerospace engineer with 25 years of experience in designing and prototyping fun vehicles.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Berkeley, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-aptos-aero.jpg?itok=3N7cwnmU\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-aptos-aero\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Ascendant","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAscendant Dynamics is comprised of a small team of academics looking to push the capabilities of current technology in drone applications.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Houston, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAscendant Dynamics is comprised of a small team of academics looking to push the capabilities of current technology in drone applications.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Houston, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"ASTRO Systems","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudent-led startup differentiated by a proprietary 360-degree airfoil design, engineered specifically for heavy-lift applications. ASTRO Systems hopes to bring affordable, reliable, performance-centered drone hardware to the domestic market.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Chicago, Ill.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudent-led startup differentiated by a proprietary 360-degree airfoil design, engineered specifically for heavy-lift applications. ASTRO Systems hopes to bring affordable, reliable, performance-centered drone hardware to the domestic market.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Chicago, Ill.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-astro-systems.jpg?itok=OwBla4g8\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022astro-systems\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"ATLAS (Buffalo)","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdvanced Tactical Lift Aircraft System (ATLAS) is a highly skilled, motivated, and creative team of students and engineers from The CRASH Lab, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York and Modovolo Drone Company. We are excited to be part of the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Buffalo, N.Y.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdvanced Tactical Lift Aircraft System (ATLAS) is a highly skilled, motivated, and creative team of students and engineers from The CRASH Lab, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York and Modovolo Drone Company. We are excited to be part of the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Buffalo, N.Y.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"Avalon Aero","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAvalon Aero is a California-based team developing Excalibur, a swashplateless, coaxial helicopter for the DARPA Lift Challenge. Co-founders Alec Ohanesian (manufacturing engineer, Rolls-Royce) and John Boranian (aerospace engineering grad student, UCLA) are pursuing an electronically controlled, cyclic pitch architecture to maximize payload-to-weight performance.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: San Juan Capistrano, Calif.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAvalon Aero is a California-based team developing Excalibur, a swashplateless, coaxial helicopter for the DARPA Lift Challenge. Co-founders Alec Ohanesian (manufacturing engineer, Rolls-Royce) and John Boranian (aerospace engineering grad student, UCLA) are pursuing an electronically controlled, cyclic pitch architecture to maximize payload-to-weight performance.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: San Juan Capistrano, Calif.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-avalon-aero.png?itok=91tKSSVm\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022Avalon Aero\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"AVFL","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdvanced Vertical Flight Laboratory (AVFL) is composed of three aerospace graduate students, a postdoc, and a professor. This Texas A\u0026amp;M team pioneers next-generation VTOL concepts. With a rich history of success, the lab has consistently won multiple phases of premier global competitions like the GoFly and GoAERO challenges.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: College Station, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdvanced Vertical Flight Laboratory (AVFL) is composed of three aerospace graduate students, a postdoc, and a professor. This Texas A\u0026amp;M team pioneers next-generation VTOL concepts. With a rich history of success, the lab has consistently won multiple phases of premier global competitions like the GoFly and GoAERO challenges.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: College Station, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-avfl_0.png?itok=zyfFlkeG\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022AVFL\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"AVIDrone","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam AVIDrone specializes in designing high-performance unmanned aircraft, propulsion systems, and autopilot technologies, and aims to demonstrate unprecedented electric heavy-lift payload efficiency in the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Columbia, Md.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam AVIDrone specializes in designing high-performance unmanned aircraft, propulsion systems, and autopilot technologies, and aims to demonstrate unprecedented electric heavy-lift payload efficiency in the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Columbia, Md.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-avi-drone.jpg?itok=NEhVzNjI\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-avi-drone\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"AXUS Lab","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe AXUS team comprises four students of aerospace and mechanical engineering and a supervising professor, all from SEMTE at Arizona State University. The team has successfully flown a scale model of the final design, carrying a payload of 4X where X=empty weight.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Tempe, Ariz.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe AXUS team comprises four students of aerospace and mechanical engineering and a supervising professor, all from SEMTE at Arizona State University. The team has successfully flown a scale model of the final design, carrying a payload of 4X where X=empty weight.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Tempe, Ariz.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-axus-lab_0.png?itok=WIy4ugbf\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022axus-lab\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"Burl Aero Alpha","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Burl Aerospace team is a collaboration between Toby Bersak and Burl Aerospace Pty Ltd, which has developed a unique, patent-pending, dual-use technology platform that provides scalable and ultra-efficient next-generation vertical lift capabilities.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Whitehouse Station, N.J.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Burl Aerospace team is a collaboration between Toby Bersak and Burl Aerospace Pty Ltd, which has developed a unique, patent-pending, dual-use technology platform that provides scalable and ultra-efficient next-generation vertical lift capabilities.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Whitehouse Station, N.J.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-burl-aerospace.png?itok=u_-qVFy_\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022burl-aerospace\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Burl Aero Omega","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Burl Aerospace team is a collaboration between Toby Bersak and Burl Aerospace Pty Ltd, which has developed a unique, patent-pending, dual-use technology platform that provides scalable and ultra-efficient next-generation vertical lift capabilities.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Whitehouse Station, N.J.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Burl Aerospace team is a collaboration between Toby Bersak and Burl Aerospace Pty Ltd, which has developed a unique, patent-pending, dual-use technology platform that provides scalable and ultra-efficient next-generation vertical lift capabilities.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Whitehouse Station, N.J.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-burl-aerospace.png?itok=u_-qVFy_\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022burl-aerospace\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Cactus Labs","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECactus Labs, the defense tech group of Rohlfs R\u0026amp;D, LLC, is led by Aaron LaFevers and based in Midland, Texas. The team is developing Project Saguaro, a heavy-lift VTOL UAS powered by a microturbine-driven, warm-cycle, tip-jet rotor that trades drivetrain mass for payload.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Midland, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECactus Labs, the defense tech group of Rohlfs R\u0026amp;D, LLC, is led by Aaron LaFevers and based in Midland, Texas. The team is developing Project Saguaro, a heavy-lift VTOL UAS powered by a microturbine-driven, warm-cycle, tip-jet rotor that trades drivetrain mass for payload.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Midland, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-cactus-labs.png?itok=53xY5MUk\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022cactus labs\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Capstone AirLift","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECapstone AirLift Systems is a team of aerospace enthusiasts with wide experience and expertise in experimental airplanes and drones. We are excited to bring our expertise to the DARPA Lift Challenge and contribute fresh ideas to the future of flight.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Maple Valley, Wash.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECapstone AirLift Systems is a team of aerospace enthusiasts with wide experience and expertise in experimental airplanes and drones. We are excited to bring our expertise to the DARPA Lift Challenge and contribute fresh ideas to the future of flight.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Maple Valley, Wash.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"CHAMPS","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECHAMPS stands for Collaborative Heavy-lift Aerial unManned Propellor Systems. Giovanna Bucci is an expert in energy storage and conversion. Brian Wihl develops unmanned aerial systems. Marcus Worsley leads synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials. Ryan Goldhahn\u2019s research is on networked autonomous systems and cooperative behaviors for multi-agent systems.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Livermore, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ECHAMPS stands for Collaborative Heavy-lift Aerial unManned Propellor Systems. Giovanna Bucci is an expert in energy storage and conversion. Brian Wihl develops unmanned aerial systems. Marcus Worsley leads synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials. Ryan Goldhahn\u2019s research is on networked autonomous systems and cooperative behaviors for multi-agent systems.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Livermore, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-champs.png?itok=UspSjwb1\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-champs\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Control Tech","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EControl Technologies, LLC, is a full-service engineering company that specializes in the design, build, and integration of custom turn-key industrial automation equipment. A certified robotics integrator, they offer CNC machining, custom control panels (UL certified), and machine retrofits. AS 9100 and NaVOBA certified.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Conover, N.C.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EControl Technologies, LLC, is a full-service engineering company that specializes in the design, build, and integration of custom turn-key industrial automation equipment. A certified robotics integrator, they offer CNC machining, custom control panels (UL certified), and machine retrofits. AS 9100 and NaVOBA certified.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Conover, N.C.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-control-tech.png?itok=Wqzp-vno\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022control-tech\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"CyLift","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECyLift is an M2I team at Iowa State University\u0027s Department of Aerospace Engineering, comprised primarily of undergraduate aerospace engineering students.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Ames, Iowa\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECyLift is an M2I team at Iowa State University\u0027s Department of Aerospace Engineering, comprised primarily of undergraduate aerospace engineering students.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Ames, Iowa\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"DARC","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDARcorporation (1991) provides engineering consulting services for aircraft design and analysis, propeller\/rotor design, fabrication of proof-of-concept articles and prototypes, structural and functional testing of airframe components and prototypes.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Lawrence, Kan.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDARcorporation (1991) provides engineering consulting services for aircraft design and analysis, propeller\/rotor design, fabrication of proof-of-concept articles and prototypes, structural and functional testing of airframe components and prototypes.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Lawrence, Kan.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-dar-corp.jpg?itok=KWVFpIt5\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022DARC\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"DefendTex","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDefendTex is a manufacturer of novel, low-cost SUAS, UGV, and USV platforms for military, law enforcement, and first responder organizations.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Moab, Utah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDefendTex is a manufacturer of novel, low-cost SUAS, UGV, and USV platforms for military, law enforcement, and first responder organizations.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Moab, Utah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-defend-tex.png?itok=bVUy5USn\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022defend-tex\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Dmaterial","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDmaterial IP, LLC, is a Chicago-area defense technology startup pioneering RF-welded UHMWPE composite air beam structures. Our team applies this inflatable architecture to build a heavy-lift quadrotor for the DARPA LIFT Challenge, targeting class-leading payload-to-weight performance.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Bedford Park, Ill.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDmaterial IP, LLC, is a Chicago-area defense technology startup pioneering RF-welded UHMWPE composite air beam structures. Our team applies this inflatable architecture to build a heavy-lift quadrotor for the DARPA LIFT Challenge, targeting class-leading payload-to-weight performance.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Bedford Park, Ill.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-material.png?itok=YbYs3X1T\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dmaterial\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Driftless","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDriftless Robotics is a Wisconsin-based aerospace startup building the next generation of rotorcraft. Competing in the DARPA Lift Challenge, the team is driven by a passion for flight innovation and a mission to redefine what small aircraft can do.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Neenah, Wisc.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDriftless Robotics is a Wisconsin-based aerospace startup building the next generation of rotorcraft. Competing in the DARPA Lift Challenge, the team is driven by a passion for flight innovation and a mission to redefine what small aircraft can do.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Neenah, Wisc.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-driftless.jpg?itok=4_14JTOI\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022driftless\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Dronesmith","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDronesmith brings heavy-lift multirotor development experience dating back to 2021, combining field-tested prototypes with UAS development for defense applications and structured flight-test experience. The team focuses on lightweight structures, distributed electric propulsion, and aircraft designed to lift payloads heavier than the vehicle itself.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Gilbert, Ariz.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDronesmith brings heavy-lift multirotor development experience dating back to 2021, combining field-tested prototypes with UAS development for defense applications and structured flight-test experience. The team focuses on lightweight structures, distributed electric propulsion, and aircraft designed to lift payloads heavier than the vehicle itself.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Gilbert, Ariz.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-drone-smith.jpg?itok=KrE2oEPQ\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-drone-smith\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"EasyBreezy Heavy","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDr. Dennis Unruh leads EasyBreezy Heavy Lift. He is 83 years old and still active in various projects. He worked on the Pave Tiger Drone (Boeing) many years ago, noting that the flight control software was written in machine language.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Stillwater, Okla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDr. Dennis Unruh leads EasyBreezy Heavy Lift. He is 83 years old and still active in various projects. He worked on the Pave Tiger Drone (Boeing) many years ago, noting that the flight control software was written in machine language.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Stillwater, Okla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"EFN","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027re just two professional-grade weekend warriors in a garage who thought this challenge looked interesting, and wanted to give it a go.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Claremont, N.H.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027re just two professional-grade weekend warriors in a garage who thought this challenge looked interesting, and wanted to give it a go.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Claremont, N.H.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Falcon","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Falcon is backed by HOBBYWING NA out of Pasadena, Calif. (design and R\u0026amp;D hub), and Victorville, Calif. (testing and drone build).\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Pasadena, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Falcon is backed by HOBBYWING NA out of Pasadena, Calif. (design and R\u0026amp;D hub), and Victorville, Calif. (testing and drone build).\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Pasadena, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Flight-CHEK","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Flight-CHEK is led by Continuum Dynamics, Inc, with fellow team member organizations Kaman Air Vehicles, Eagle Aviation Technologies, and HFE International.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Ewing, N.J.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Flight-CHEK is led by Continuum Dynamics, Inc, with fellow team member organizations Kaman Air Vehicles, Eagle Aviation Technologies, and HFE International.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Ewing, N.J.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"FNP Foundation","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam FNP Foundation is a cross-organization R\u0026amp;D team spanning the University of Hartford, Philadelphia Helicopter Corporation, and the FNP Foundation. Built around mechatronics-driven intelligent design, the team combines academic research, industry engineering, and foundation-backed innovation to create a novel heavy-lift drone platform.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: New Haven, Conn.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam FNP Foundation is a cross-organization R\u0026amp;D team spanning the University of Hartford, Philadelphia Helicopter Corporation, and the FNP Foundation. Built around mechatronics-driven intelligent design, the team combines academic research, industry engineering, and foundation-backed innovation to create a novel heavy-lift drone platform.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: New Haven, Conn.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-fnp-foundation.png?itok=6lehCJm8\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-fnp-foundation\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"GSE Inc.","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGreg Stevenson has over 40 years of aircraft engine and airframe development focusing on heavy fuels, hybrid propulsion systems, and advanced multi-fuel combustion systems.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: South Lake Tahoe, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGreg Stevenson has over 40 years of aircraft engine and airframe development focusing on heavy fuels, hybrid propulsion systems, and advanced multi-fuel combustion systems.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: South Lake Tahoe, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-gse.jpg?itok=3-E-ZF79\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-gse \u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"H-Squared","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur team, led by a mechanical engineer and owner of a precision machine shop, combines hands-on manufacturing expertise with engineers, drone enthusiasts, RC pilots, and innovators skilled in advanced mobility, robotics, and systems integration. Passionate about pushing boundaries, we are excited to deliver breakthrough solutions for the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Boston, Mass.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur team, led by a mechanical engineer and owner of a precision machine shop, combines hands-on manufacturing expertise with engineers, drone enthusiasts, RC pilots, and innovators skilled in advanced mobility, robotics, and systems integration. Passionate about pushing boundaries, we are excited to deliver breakthrough solutions for the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Boston, Mass.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-h-squared.png?itok=_wCPD94X\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022h-squared\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Hanumantam","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Hanumantam is a Silicon Valley, Calif., deep-tech venture redefining heavy-lift UAV dynamics. Built by PhD scholars, engineers, and entrepreneurs, their design targets a 4:1 P:W ratio, unlocking defense, agriculture, logistics, and commercial aerial markets.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Foster City, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Hanumantam is a Silicon Valley, Calif., deep-tech venture redefining heavy-lift UAV dynamics. Built by PhD scholars, engineers, and entrepreneurs, their design targets a 4:1 P:W ratio, unlocking defense, agriculture, logistics, and commercial aerial markets.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Foster City, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-hanumantam.jpg?itok=AMAkUc4N\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022hanumantam\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"HappyHellfire","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHappyHellfire Engineering out of Pensacola, Fla., is a small team building the next generation of heavy\u2011lift autonomous drones. Our backgrounds span aerospace, robotics, and autonomous AI systems for airframe design, high\u2011power electric propulsion, flight controls, and innovative defense applications.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Pensacola, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHappyHellfire Engineering out of Pensacola, Fla., is a small team building the next generation of heavy\u2011lift autonomous drones. Our backgrounds span aerospace, robotics, and autonomous AI systems for airframe design, high\u2011power electric propulsion, flight controls, and innovative defense applications.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Pensacola, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Hoarder Sam","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFounded by Hoarder Sam, a YouTuber who builds, tests, and reviews FPV drones and experimental aircraft projects. The team focuses on practical engineering, rapid prototyping, and sharing the build process with a wider audience.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Fairfax, Va.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFounded by Hoarder Sam, a YouTuber who builds, tests, and reviews FPV drones and experimental aircraft projects. The team focuses on practical engineering, rapid prototyping, and sharing the build process with a wider audience.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Fairfax, Va.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-hoarder-sam.png?itok=wEmD0gVY\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022hoarder-sam\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Hovering Owls","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFAU CA-AI\u0027s Hovering Owls are competing in DARPA\u0027s Lift Challenge, designing and testing a heavy-lift, autonomous tilt-rotor for next-generation aerial logistics. Backed by CA-AI, eight engineering researchers integrate design, simulation, fabrication, controls, and flight testing to advance vertical-lift autonomy and aerospace engineering at Florida Atlantic University.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Boca Raton, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFAU CA-AI\u0027s Hovering Owls are competing in DARPA\u0027s Lift Challenge, designing and testing a heavy-lift, autonomous tilt-rotor for next-generation aerial logistics. Backed by CA-AI, eight engineering researchers integrate design, simulation, fabrication, controls, and flight testing to advance vertical-lift autonomy and aerospace engineering at Florida Atlantic University.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Boca Raton, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-teams-hovering-owls.png?itok=o4y72Bpr\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022hovering-owls\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"InSky","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInSky develops advanced aerial mobility systems, electric propulsion technologies, and autonomous flight capabilities. With experience spanning fixed-wing aircraft, eVTOL platforms, and heavy-lift VTOL systems, we focus on expanding the performance, accessibility, and utility of vertical flight.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Miami, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInSky develops advanced aerial mobility systems, electric propulsion technologies, and autonomous flight capabilities. With experience spanning fixed-wing aircraft, eVTOL platforms, and heavy-lift VTOL systems, we focus on expanding the performance, accessibility, and utility of vertical flight.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Miami, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-sin-skey.png?itok=0JdS5GpK\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022in-sky\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"KC Space Pirates","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKansas City Space Pirates is a technical competition team best known for the NASA Space Elevator Games and NASA\u0027s Watts on the Moon.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Kansas City, Mo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKansas City Space Pirates is a technical competition team best known for the NASA Space Elevator Games and NASA\u0027s Watts on the Moon.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Kansas City, Mo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Kinetic Analytics","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKinetic Analytics is an American UAS engineering company with deep roots in DARPA and military rotorcraft programs. Zephyr, their fully electric VTOL, showcases proprietary prop-rotor blade design and a radically simplified architecture built for performance, manufacturability, and field reliability.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Fountain Valley, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKinetic Analytics is an American UAS engineering company with deep roots in DARPA and military rotorcraft programs. Zephyr, their fully electric VTOL, showcases proprietary prop-rotor blade design and a radically simplified architecture built for performance, manufacturability, and field reliability.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Fountain Valley, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-kinetic-analytics.jpg?itok=gsoeu9Nf\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-kinetic-analytics\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Koatlus Rise","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKoatlus Rise is developing hybrid-electric heavy-lift aircraft using distributed propulsion, adaptive control, and transformable airframe concepts to explore efficient vertical lift, transition flight, and resilient aerial mobility for next-generation autonomous cargo systems.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Laramie, Wyo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKoatlus Rise is developing hybrid-electric heavy-lift aircraft using distributed propulsion, adaptive control, and transformable airframe concepts to explore efficient vertical lift, transition flight, and resilient aerial mobility for next-generation autonomous cargo systems.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Laramie, Wyo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-koatlus-rise.png?itok=jt5dHcR1\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022koatlus-rise.\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"LamVec Technology","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELamVec designs and develops novel heavy-lift electrified VTOL airframes for recreational and commercial use. Our team focuses on advancing scalable electric aviation through innovative aircraft architectures, propulsion systems, and flight technologies that enable practical vertical mobility.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Dover, Del.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELamVec designs and develops novel heavy-lift electrified VTOL airframes for recreational and commercial use. Our team focuses on advancing scalable electric aviation through innovative aircraft architectures, propulsion systems, and flight technologies that enable practical vertical mobility.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Dover, Del.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-lam-vec-technology.jpg?itok=gz3865Zv\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-lam-vec-technology\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"MacGyver","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam lead Timothy Dunn is a former Marine with many years\u2019 experience in drone racing and robotics. Dave Groft is the embedded engineer. Martha Lopez is an expert autonomy ground station operator.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Baltimore, Md.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam lead Timothy Dunn is a former Marine with many years\u2019 experience in drone racing and robotics. Dave Groft is the embedded engineer. Martha Lopez is an expert autonomy ground station operator.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Baltimore, Md.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Make Glide","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHacking together MVPs that sometimes sort of work, Make Glide believes the best way to make something is to make it and iterate. We\u0027re makers first and occasionally entrepreneurs, hackers, etc.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Oakland, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHacking together MVPs that sometimes sort of work, Make Glide believes the best way to make something is to make it and iterate. We\u0027re makers first and occasionally entrepreneurs, hackers, etc.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Oakland, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Mammoth Drones","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Mammoth Drones, led by Sam Wechsler, is flying a coaxial helicopter drone with custom carbon fiber over wood rotors. Sam is an engineer, and his long-term vision is to medevac people with drones.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Delmar, N.Y.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Mammoth Drones, led by Sam Wechsler, is flying a coaxial helicopter drone with custom carbon fiber over wood rotors. Sam is an engineer, and his long-term vision is to medevac people with drones.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Delmar, N.Y.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-mammoth-drones.png?itok=bQ0gE_9O\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022mammoth-drones\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"MATR Technologies ","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMATR Technologies is a Chicago-based engineering consulting firm building rugged electronics to solve hard sensing and connectivity problems. From wildfire-prone forests to emergency vehicles, MATR specializes in outdoor-grade systems in critical applications. The DARPA Lift Challenge inspired our internal R\u0026amp;D to tackle this seemingly impossible mission.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Chicago, Ill.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMATR Technologies is a Chicago-based engineering consulting firm building rugged electronics to solve hard sensing and connectivity problems. From wildfire-prone forests to emergency vehicles, MATR specializes in outdoor-grade systems in critical applications. The DARPA Lift Challenge inspired our internal R\u0026amp;D to tackle this seemingly impossible mission.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Chicago, Ill.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-matr-technologies.png?itok=wYQ9M-x9\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-matr-technologies\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Max Ordnance","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMax Ordnance designs and builds next-generation heavy-lift autonomous aircraft that combine advanced composites, precision engineering, and scalable manufacturing to expand the capabilities of autonomous logistics in demanding operational environments.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Gainesville, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMax Ordnance designs and builds next-generation heavy-lift autonomous aircraft that combine advanced composites, precision engineering, and scalable manufacturing to expand the capabilities of autonomous logistics in demanding operational environments.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Gainesville, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"MaxWeights","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMaxWeights, LLC, is a Georgia-based aerospace startup developing heavy-lift unmanned aircraft systems for defense, emergency response, logistics, and commercial missions. Founded by aerospace engineers and entrepreneurs, MaxWeights is advancing American-made UAS technology through lightweight design, rapid innovation, and the MW-V1 heavy-lift platform.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Richmond Hill, Ga.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMaxWeights, LLC, is a Georgia-based aerospace startup developing heavy-lift unmanned aircraft systems for defense, emergency response, logistics, and commercial missions. Founded by aerospace engineers and entrepreneurs, MaxWeights is advancing American-made UAS technology through lightweight design, rapid innovation, and the MW-V1 heavy-lift platform.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Richmond Hill, Ga.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-max-weights.png?itok=P3g0Lvdt\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022max-weights\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Mimino","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPassionate about flight and drones since childhood, I ended up getting an official Guinness World Record for the longest flying rotorcraft in 2023. Time for new challenges. :) My partner is a seasoned engineer from Lithuania with multiple inventions and patents, including for flying machines.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Dorado, Puerto Rico\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPassionate about flight and drones since childhood, I ended up getting an official Guinness World Record for the longest flying rotorcraft in 2023. Time for new challenges. :) My partner is a seasoned engineer from Lithuania with multiple inventions and patents, including for flying machines.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Dorado, Puerto Rico\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Mohyi Labs","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMohyi Labs, Inc., is developing next-generation quiet impeller propulsion and \u0022bladeless\u0022 drone technology. Our team is focused on safer, more efficient vertical-lift systems for heavy-lift, logistics, and future mobility applications.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Waterford, Mich.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMohyi Labs, Inc., is developing next-generation quiet impeller propulsion and \u0022bladeless\u0022 drone technology. Our team is focused on safer, more efficient vertical-lift systems for heavy-lift, logistics, and future mobility applications.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Waterford, Mich.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-mohyi-labs.png?itok=H6zmZhTE\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-mohyi-labs\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"MTech","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFounded by MIT engineers and entrepreneurs, MTech Operations LLC develops advanced autonomous systems and technologies to push the boundaries on endurance, payload, and speed.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Sudbury, Mass.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFounded by MIT engineers and entrepreneurs, MTech Operations LLC develops advanced autonomous systems and technologies to push the boundaries on endurance, payload, and speed.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Sudbury, Mass.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-mtech.png?itok=lM8shWiI\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022mtech\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"NELSON Lift","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENELSON Lift is here to show how one engineer can use first principles to lift more with less. Two questions: what is the most efficient lift and lightest power source? The answers are big rotors and two-stroke gas engines.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENELSON Lift is here to show how one engineer can use first principles to lift more with less. Two questions: what is the most efficient lift and lightest power source? The answers are big rotors and two-stroke gas engines.\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-nelson-lift.png?itok=mwgb7zHz\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022nelson-lift\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Novakinetics ","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENovakinetics Aerosystems has been building components for manned aircraft since 1996. We are working to develop a line of heavy-lift UAVs, and we\u0027re excited to compete in the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Flagstaff, Ariz.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENovakinetics Aerosystems has been building components for manned aircraft since 1996. We are working to develop a line of heavy-lift UAVs, and we\u0027re excited to compete in the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Flagstaff, Ariz.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-Novakinetics_0.png?itok=qqAeuQQd\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022Novakinetics\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"O-Wing","body":"\u003Cp\u003EO-Wing is developing a novel powered-lift system that achieves high-lift performance without the use of propellers. By blending principles from motorsport fluid dynamics and aeronautics, our design demonstrates a unique and efficient approach to the next generation of eVTOL vehicles.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Los Angeles, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp\u003EO-Wing is developing a novel powered-lift system that achieves high-lift performance without the use of propellers. By blending principles from motorsport fluid dynamics and aeronautics, our design demonstrates a unique and efficient approach to the next generation of eVTOL vehicles.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Los Angeles, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Onopa Aero","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnopa Aero is a small business in Florida and home to a group of engineers with a passion for building unique, dual-use UAS designs. We love to see our crazy ideas take flight.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Sanford, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnopa Aero is a small business in Florida and home to a group of engineers with a passion for building unique, dual-use UAS designs. We love to see our crazy ideas take flight.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Sanford, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-onopa-RS6.png?itok=rgOclHTD\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-onopa-RS6\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Orion Autonomous ","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrion Autonomous Systems is developing the next generation of autonomous logistics aircraft to transform how critical supplies are delivered in infrastructure-limited environments, bringing expertise spanning aerospace, autonomous systems, government contracting, and business leadership.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Santy, Utah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrion Autonomous Systems is developing the next generation of autonomous logistics aircraft to transform how critical supplies are delivered in infrastructure-limited environments, bringing expertise spanning aerospace, autonomous systems, government contracting, and business leadership.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Santy, Utah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Penn State ARL","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Penn State Applied Research Lab team consists of six engineers with a combined 80+ years of experience and expertise in clean-sheet aircraft systems design, applied aerodynamics, drivetrain design, avionics, rapid prototyping, and UAS flight testing.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: University Park, Pa.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Penn State Applied Research Lab team consists of six engineers with a combined 80+ years of experience and expertise in clean-sheet aircraft systems design, applied aerodynamics, drivetrain design, avionics, rapid prototyping, and UAS flight testing.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: University Park, Pa.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"Penumbra ","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Penumbra is a group of individuals from diverse backgrounds dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, driven by insatiable curiosity to go beyond the confines of established practice.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Twin City, Ga.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Penumbra is a group of individuals from diverse backgrounds dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, driven by insatiable curiosity to go beyond the confines of established practice.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Twin City, Ga.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Phoenix Drone","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVeteran-owned company of Honeywell scientists and engineers with several decades of cumulative UAS\/RC and manufacturing experience. We are a Honeywell start-up\/spin-off sponsored by Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, M4 Engineering, and Embention USA.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Phoenix, Ariz.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVeteran-owned company of Honeywell scientists and engineers with several decades of cumulative UAS\/RC and manufacturing experience. We are a Honeywell start-up\/spin-off sponsored by Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, M4 Engineering, and Embention USA.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Phoenix, Ariz.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-phoenix-drone.png?itok=kblc8gzi\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022phoenix-drone\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Portal Aircraft","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPortal Aircraft Company is developing a novel distributed gas-turbine VTOL architecture that routes power from a centralized turbine to multiple lift rotors. An Army xTechSearch 9 winner and Army SBIR performer, the team is competing with its Lift-X demonstrator to advance high payload-to-weight vertical flight.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Mansfield, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPortal Aircraft Company is developing a novel distributed gas-turbine VTOL architecture that routes power from a centralized turbine to multiple lift rotors. An Army xTechSearch 9 winner and Army SBIR performer, the team is competing with its Lift-X demonstrator to advance high payload-to-weight vertical flight.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Mansfield, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-portal-aircraft.png?itok=4nm-hcXk\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022portal-aircraft\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Power and Propulsion","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPower \u0026amp; Propulsion is an engineering and consulting company based in Orlando, Fla., and Denver, Colo. It develops innovative and unique solutions for the aerospace and energy sectors.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Denver, Colo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPower \u0026amp; Propulsion is an engineering and consulting company based in Orlando, Fla., and Denver, Colo. It develops innovative and unique solutions for the aerospace and energy sectors.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Denver, Colo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-power-propulsion.png?itok=iMvwNv3Z\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-power-propulsion\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"ProtoCarbon","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProtoCarbon is a one-person engineering company providing design, analysis, development, and prototyping of advanced carbon fiber structures. Owner John Brendel is an experienced composites engineer who has contributed to multiple space vehicle programs.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Coeur d\u2019Alene, Idaho\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProtoCarbon is a one-person engineering company providing design, analysis, development, and prototyping of advanced carbon fiber structures. Owner John Brendel is an experienced composites engineer who has contributed to multiple space vehicle programs.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Coeur d\u2019Alene, Idaho\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-proto-carbon.png?itok=Hce7h6t0\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022proto-carbon\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Quarry Hill Aero","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA rag-tag collection of aerospace engineers who have either worked together in a professional capacity or have been friends since college.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Roberts, Wis.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA rag-tag collection of aerospace engineers who have either worked together in a professional capacity or have been friends since college.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Roberts, Wis.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Ragin Cajuns","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Ragin\u2019 Cajuns Drone Team consists of six undergraduate students and three faculty members from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Proudly representing Louisiana, we are ready to showcase our ambition, creativity, and Ragin\u2019 Cajun spirit on the national stage.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Lafayette, La.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Ragin\u2019 Cajuns Drone Team consists of six undergraduate students and three faculty members from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Proudly representing Louisiana, we are ready to showcase our ambition, creativity, and Ragin\u2019 Cajun spirit on the national stage.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Lafayette, La.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-ragin-cajuns.png?itok=PLkkf9vM\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-ragin-cajuns\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"RAIL","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERapid Ascent Innovations Lab (RAIL) is an aerospace development team dedicated to advancing unmanned aircraft technologies. Leveraging rapid prototyping and iterative engineering, the team is developing a solution that maximizes payload capability, reliability, controllability, and mission effectiveness.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Haymarket, Va.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERapid Ascent Innovations Lab (RAIL) is an aerospace development team dedicated to advancing unmanned aircraft technologies. Leveraging rapid prototyping and iterative engineering, the team is developing a solution that maximizes payload capability, reliability, controllability, and mission effectiveness.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Haymarket, Va.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-rail.png?itok=EVf_Rj38\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022rail\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Ratio Drones","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERatio Drones is an Austin aerospace startup building for frontier logistics. We deliver heavy payloads and on-site power generation wherever the work is, beyond roads and infrastructure, serving defense, energy, agriculture, and emergency response.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Austin, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERatio Drones is an Austin aerospace startup building for frontier logistics. We deliver heavy payloads and on-site power generation wherever the work is, beyond roads and infrastructure, serving defense, energy, agriculture, and emergency response.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Austin, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-ratio-drones.png?itok=z_FDwn4g\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022ratio-drones\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Reasonably Adequate","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEvery man dies, not every man really lives. With great power comes great responsibility. We do this not because it is easy, but because we thought it would be easy. Excitement guaranteed.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Kokomo, Ind.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEvery man dies, not every man really lives. With great power comes great responsibility. We do this not because it is easy, but because we thought it would be easy. Excitement guaranteed.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Kokomo, Ind.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Red Snow","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERed Snow is a small team of two mechanical engineers developing a home-built drone for the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Bellevue, Wash.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERed Snow is a small team of two mechanical engineers developing a home-built drone for the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Bellevue, Wash.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"RockSolid","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERockSolid is a father-son aviation-engineering enthusiast team based in Austin, where Rock works in tech and Thane is an electrical engineer working in computer vision for drones.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Austin, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERockSolid is a father-son aviation-engineering enthusiast team based in Austin, where Rock works in tech and Thane is an electrical engineer working in computer vision for drones.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Austin, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Roll-ups","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOperating out of our garage, Team Roll-ups is located in Evergreen, Colo. This multi-generational family team designs, builds, and flies custom heavy-lift drones.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Evergreen, Colo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOperating out of our garage, Team Roll-ups is located in Evergreen, Colo. This multi-generational family team designs, builds, and flies custom heavy-lift drones.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Evergreen, Colo.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"S.W.O.L.","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESystems for Weight Optimized Lift is a team of industry professionals with over half a century of combined expertise in engineering, software, robotics, and rapid prototyping. We build autonomous systems across air, ground, and maritime domains, bringing practical multidisciplinary experience to the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Herndon, Va.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESystems for Weight Optimized Lift is a team of industry professionals with over half a century of combined expertise in engineering, software, robotics, and rapid prototyping. We build autonomous systems across air, ground, and maritime domains, bringing practical multidisciplinary experience to the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Herndon, Va.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-swol.png?itok=WF0OEOUM\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022swol\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"SAMARA ","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam SAMARA is developing a hybrid parafoil-prop VTOL for challenging payload missions. Led by MIT alum Matt Orosz under nonprofit STG International, we engineer rugged heavy-lift aircraft for last-mile cargo delivery to remote solar minigrids in Africa.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Cambridge, Mass.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam SAMARA is developing a hybrid parafoil-prop VTOL for challenging payload missions. Led by MIT alum Matt Orosz under nonprofit STG International, we engineer rugged heavy-lift aircraft for last-mile cargo delivery to remote solar minigrids in Africa.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Cambridge, Mass.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-samara.png?itok=oGK_58M7\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022samara\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Sherman Aero","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman Aeronautics is a Southern California-based family business that aims to serve the community by building highly efficient rotor systems capable of lifting extreme weights with electric propulsion.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: San Bernardino, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESherman Aeronautics is a Southern California-based family business that aims to serve the community by building highly efficient rotor systems capable of lifting extreme weights with electric propulsion.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: San Bernardino, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Skybarge II","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESkybarge II is a husband-wife endeavor by Shane Thulin through his LLC, Thulin Industries. With the support of his wife, Heather, and assistance from his brother and father during the competition, he is putting the garage-build spirit to the test.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Bakersfield, Calif.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESkybarge II is a husband-wife endeavor by Shane Thulin through his LLC, Thulin Industries. With the support of his wife, Heather, and assistance from his brother and father during the competition, he is putting the garage-build spirit to the test.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Bakersfield, Calif.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Skyweaver","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESkyweaver is the solo entry of Ben Berry, a freelance aerospace engineer in the San Francisco Bay area whose past work includes the University of Maryland\u2019s human-powered helicopter, Makani\u2019s airborne wind turbine, and numerous civilian and military drones.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Menlo Park, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESkyweaver is the solo entry of Ben Berry, a freelance aerospace engineer in the San Francisco Bay area whose past work includes the University of Maryland\u2019s human-powered helicopter, Makani\u2019s airborne wind turbine, and numerous civilian and military drones.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Menlo Park, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-sky-weaver.png?itok=r2EKj0_N\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-sky-weaver \u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Snyder LaPenna ","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMatthew Snyder, RPIC, is a mechanical and aerospace engineer specializing in space systems, reusable aerospace hardware, and heavy-lift drone design. Paul LaPenna is an engineer and machinist with expertise in composites, prototyping, and automation. Together, they developed an ultra-heavy-lift drone for the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Safety Harbor, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMatthew Snyder, RPIC, is a mechanical and aerospace engineer specializing in space systems, reusable aerospace hardware, and heavy-lift drone design. Paul LaPenna is an engineer and machinist with expertise in composites, prototyping, and automation. Together, they developed an ultra-heavy-lift drone for the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Safety Harbor, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-snyder-lapenna.png?itok=b1j0-hJE\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022Synder LaPenna\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"SOEN","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESomewhat Engineering (SOEN) is a small group of tinkerers driven by curiosity and bold problem-solving. We think beyond standard playbooks and strive to explore unproven approaches when they offer a better path forward. Innovation isn\u2019t about following what\u2019s been done before; it\u2019s about finding what works.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Katy, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESomewhat Engineering (SOEN) is a small group of tinkerers driven by curiosity and bold problem-solving. We think beyond standard playbooks and strive to explore unproven approaches when they offer a better path forward. Innovation isn\u2019t about following what\u2019s been done before; it\u2019s about finding what works.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Katy, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-soen.png?itok=QrWXTvDu\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-soen\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Spector Drones","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpector Drones is a Baltimore-based team developing heavy-lift, cargo, and prototype drones. For five years, we\u2019ve specialized in custom drone design, fabrication, repair, and practical aircraft built for real-world payload missions. We\u2019re thrilled to join the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Baltimore, Md.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpector Drones is a Baltimore-based team developing heavy-lift, cargo, and prototype drones. For five years, we\u2019ve specialized in custom drone design, fabrication, repair, and practical aircraft built for real-world payload missions. We\u2019re thrilled to join the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Baltimore, Md.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-spectator-drones.png?itok=Uc6b_cCl\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022spectator-drones\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Spin Flight ","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpin Flight comes from years of building and flying RC aircraft. The DARPA Lift Challenge is an exciting opportunity to make something that doesn\u0027t exist off the shelf and push the limits of heavy-lift drone design.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Seattle, Wash.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpin Flight comes from years of building and flying RC aircraft. The DARPA Lift Challenge is an exciting opportunity to make something that doesn\u0027t exist off the shelf and push the limits of heavy-lift drone design.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Seattle, Wash.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-spin-flight.png?itok=rb4UgZs6\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022spin-flight\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Spitfire Defense","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpitfire was founded in 2025 with the mission of equipping the men and women of the United States Armed Forces with the most capable autonomous machines in the world.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Daytona Beach, Fla.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpitfire was founded in 2025 with the mission of equipping the men and women of the United States Armed Forces with the most capable autonomous machines in the world.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Daytona Beach, Fla.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-spitfire.png?itok=WXXqrTn9\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022spitfire\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Stanford OHS UAVs","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStanford OHS UAVs is comprised of high school students and professionals alike. Edward and Antonio O\u0027Hara, students at Stanford Online High School, and Ojas Kaushik, our RPIC and student at American High School, all shared a passion for drones. Guided by mentors, they formed Stanford OHS UAVs.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Redwood City, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStanford OHS UAVs is comprised of high school students and professionals alike. Edward and Antonio O\u0027Hara, students at Stanford Online High School, and Ojas Kaushik, our RPIC and student at American High School, all shared a passion for drones. Guided by mentors, they formed Stanford OHS UAVs.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Redwood City, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"Strato Crane","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Strato Crane was created by Brandt Wilson. Brandt is an enthusiastic solo entrepreneur based in Post Falls, Idaho. The inspiration for Strato Crane comes from a long history of involvement in flight, design, and independent innovation.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Post Falls, Idaho\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam Strato Crane was created by Brandt Wilson. Brandt is an enthusiastic solo entrepreneur based in Post Falls, Idaho. The inspiration for Strato Crane comes from a long history of involvement in flight, design, and independent innovation.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Post Falls, Idaho\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-strato-crane.jpg?itok=6Rb5Tumk\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-strato-crane\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Tam Air","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe are a team of high school students (Tamalpais High School), one college student (UNR), plus parents and a few specialists building a coaxial helicopter.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Mill Valley, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe are a team of high school students (Tamalpais High School), one college student (UNR), plus parents and a few specialists building a coaxial helicopter.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Mill Valley, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"Team ATLAS","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnmanned United is a new generation defense robotics company based in Orlando, Florida. We build the next generation of U.S. defense dominance.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Davenport, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall Business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnmanned United is a new generation defense robotics company based in Orlando, Florida. We build the next generation of U.S. defense dominance.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Davenport, Fla.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-atlas-360.png?itok=4lMI7b5o\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022team-atlas\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"The Tarawa Duck","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESnohomish Dynamics, LLC, led by Jacob Way, is a small garage team of engineers based out of the Pacific Northwest with a new drone design that will challenge current payload-to-weight expectations for VTOL drones.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Snohomish, Wash.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESnohomish Dynamics, LLC, led by Jacob Way, is a small garage team of engineers based out of the Pacific Northwest with a new drone design that will challenge current payload-to-weight expectations for VTOL drones.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Snohomish, Wash.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-the-tarawa-duck.png?itok=SFX2Lkac\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-the-tarawa-duck\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"TITAN","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam TITAN (Tactical Intelligent Transport for Autonomous Aerial Logistics \u2013 University of Nevada) is an interdisciplinary university team bringing together experts in aerospace, electrical, and mechanical engineering. We advance rapid research, innovation, and development of next-generation UAV technologies, combining cutting-edge design, autonomy, and system integration to address challenging real-world missions.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Reno, Nev.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETeam TITAN (Tactical Intelligent Transport for Autonomous Aerial Logistics \u2013 University of Nevada) is an interdisciplinary university team bringing together experts in aerospace, electrical, and mechanical engineering. We advance rapid research, innovation, and development of next-generation UAV technologies, combining cutting-edge design, autonomy, and system integration to address challenging real-world missions.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Reno, Nev.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-titan.png?itok=1tO2nxs8\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022titan\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"Triangle Formation","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELoving the journey of designing, building, testing and then repeating. Thus far, the journey has not been disappointing and will be great as made.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Frisco, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp\u003ELoving the journey of designing, building, testing and then repeating. Thus far, the journey has not been disappointing and will be great as made.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Frisco, Texas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"TULOY","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETuloy is an aerospace robotics lab from New Jersey. Its one-man team is a self-taught engineer who\u0027s worked on autonomous aircraft and enterprise AI systems.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: North Haledon, N.J.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETuloy is an aerospace robotics lab from New Jersey. Its one-man team is a self-taught engineer who\u0027s worked on autonomous aircraft and enterprise AI systems.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: North Haledon, N.J.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-tuloy.png?itok=-0qbUjih\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022TULOY\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"UMD","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe University of Maryland Autonomous Micro Air Vehicle Team designs, builds, and operates autonomous aerial systems. It has earned first-place finishes in NIST and VFS competitions. Student members gain hands-on experience in engineering and aerospace by working with faculty and professional staff.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: College Park, Md.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe University of Maryland Autonomous Micro Air Vehicle Team designs, builds, and operates autonomous aerial systems. It has earned first-place finishes in NIST and VFS competitions. Student members gain hands-on experience in engineering and aerospace by working with faculty and professional staff.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: College Park, Md.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"VertSolve ","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVertSolve is led by Kevin Horn, a former USAF officer and the primary designer of the aircraft. Beyond DLC, they are excited to continue development of the aircraft for defense and civil uses in the U.S.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Phoenix, Ariz.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVertSolve is led by Kevin Horn, a former USAF officer and the primary designer of the aircraft. Beyond DLC, they are excited to continue development of the aircraft for defense and civil uses in the U.S.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Phoenix, Ariz.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-vertsolve.png?itok=WwD_kie8\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022vertsolve\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Virgina Tech","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Virginia Tech Heavy Lift Team developed a gas-powered heavy-lift hexacopter to advance unmanned cargo transport for the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Blacksburg, Va.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EAcademia\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Virginia Tech Heavy Lift Team developed a gas-powered heavy-lift hexacopter to advance unmanned cargo transport for the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Blacksburg, Va.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Academia"},{"title":"Vision One","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt Vision One, we develop autonomous systems for complex environments, integrating advanced UAS, humanoid platforms, and edge-AI vision systems to create comprehensive solutions for challenging operational scenarios.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: North Salt Lake, Utah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt Vision One, we develop autonomous systems for complex environments, integrating advanced UAS, humanoid platforms, and edge-AI vision systems to create comprehensive solutions for challenging operational scenarios.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: North Salt Lake, Utah\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-vision-one.png?itok=CW0IAvrT\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-vision-one \u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Vitruvius","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVitruvius is a solo engineering project led by the creator of DigiFred Labs, an electrical and computer engineer and graduate student at the University of Arizona. With 24 years of service in the U.S. Army, Fred brings disciplined systems thinking and hands-on problem-solving to the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Hamilton, Ga.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVitruvius is a solo engineering project led by the creator of DigiFred Labs, an electrical and computer engineer and graduate student at the University of Arizona. With 24 years of service in the U.S. Army, Fred brings disciplined systems thinking and hands-on problem-solving to the DARPA Lift Challenge.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Hamilton, Ga.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-07\/dlc-team-vitruvius.png?itok=PQQ-rpAK\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022dlc-team-vitruvius\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"VORTEX","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Vertical\u2011Open\u2011air Retrieval Transport Experimental X (VORTEX) team combines 90+ years of aerospace expertise: 30+ years in spacecraft engineering, 25+ years in program management, 25+ years in propulsion, and 10+ years in advanced aerospace composites, delivering innovative heavy-lift solutions.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Linton, Ind.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Vertical\u2011Open\u2011air Retrieval Transport Experimental X (VORTEX) team combines 90+ years of aerospace expertise: 30+ years in spacecraft engineering, 25+ years in program management, 25+ years in propulsion, and 10+ years in advanced aerospace composites, delivering innovative heavy-lift solutions.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Linton, Ind.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"What the Heli","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA team of friends who love working on robotics, autonomous vehicles, and vehicles. Team backgrounds include computer, mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineering.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: San Mateo, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003EEntrepreneur\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA team of friends who love working on robotics, autonomous vehicles, and vehicles. Team backgrounds include computer, mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineering.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: San Mateo, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Entrepreneur"},{"title":"Winging It","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur three-person team \u2013 mechanical engineer, flight-software programmer, electrical engineer \u2013 holds two current Part 107 licenses and 40+ years combined engineering experience. Members have designed, built, and flown fixed-wing and Group 1 rotary-wing UAS, and have operated and modified COTS Group 1 and 2 UAS for the Department of War.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Huntsville, Ala.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur three-person team \u2013 mechanical engineer, flight-software programmer, electrical engineer \u2013 holds two current Part 107 licenses and 40+ years combined engineering experience. Members have designed, built, and flown fixed-wing and Group 1 rotary-wing UAS, and have operated and modified COTS Group 1 and 2 UAS for the Department of War.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Huntsville, Ala.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"Xtreme Aerial","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EXtreme Aerial Concepts provides UAS integration services for remote sensing science missions. Jakadofsky Jet Engines (est. 1985) performs repairs of full-scale helicopters and manufactures custom turboshaft engines with integrated reduction gearboxes for UAVs.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: San Jose, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EXtreme Aerial Concepts provides UAS integration services for remote sensing science missions. Jakadofsky Jet Engines (est. 1985) performs repairs of full-scale helicopters and manufactures custom turboshaft engines with integrated reduction gearboxes for UAVs.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: San Jose, Calif.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"","field_teams":"Small Business"},{"title":"YGGY Aviation","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYGGY Aviation is developing the YGGY Copter, a fully electric, four-passenger compound helicopter that achieves efficiency by autorotating in cruise. Our DARPA Lift Challenge prototype demonstrates the superior performance of our underlying technology in a different mission profile.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Lewes, Del.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"\u003Cp class=\u0022figcaption\u0022\u003ESmall business\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYGGY Aviation is developing the YGGY Copter, a fully electric, four-passenger compound helicopter that achieves efficiency by autorotating in cruise. Our DARPA Lift Challenge prototype demonstrates the superior performance of our underlying technology in a different mission profile.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation: Lewes, Del.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","field_media":"  \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/team_accordion\/public\/gallery\/2026-06\/dlc-team-yggy-aviation-360.png?itok=3WfcNe1c\u0022 width=\u0022360\u0022 height=\u0022360\u0022 alt=\u0022yggy-aviation\u0022 class=\u0022image-style-team-accordion\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n\n","field_teams":"Small Business"}]