Applicants receive flight windows based on the order in which they’re accepted, so apply early
Jan 7, 2026
The DARPA Lift Challenge is now accepting applications. We’re calling on the United States’ brightest innovators—from university labs and garage workshops to small businesses and large corporations, military services, and everyone in between—to secure their place in aviation history.
This $6.5 million Challenge is a competition to discover groundbreaking designs that solve one of vertical heavy lift aviation's toughest problems: the payload-to-weight ratio. In doing so, it may provide competitors with unmatched national exposure and a legacy as a pioneer in drone technology.
Today's multirotor drones are held back by their low payload-to-weight ratios, often around 1:1 or even lower. This limitation means that as mission payload requirements increase, drones become prohibitively large and expensive.
The Lift Challenge seeks to shatter this barrier. Competitors’ mission is to design a drone (55 pounds or less) with the highest payload-to-weight ratio and successfully complete the demanding competition course.
“This improvement would redefine vertical lift aviation, unlocking a new range of possibilities for both military and civilian applications,” said DARPA Lift Challenge Program Manager Phillip “Donna” Smith. “With the Lift Challenge, our goal is to dramatically increase the useful load and drive down the cost per pound of transported cargo. If you’ve got the vision, now’s the time to prove it.”
How to Apply
To apply, one U.S. person or U.S.-registered entity needs to submit the team information. This person will be the official team representative. Though attendance at the competition itself will be capped to 10 per team, teams are welcome to include as many members as they'd like, including those from other countries, if they are not on the Department of State’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations restricted list.
Government and military organizations can participate, but only if the government hasn't previously funded the submitted design. And if civilian, federal, or military personnel are using work hours, supplies or facilities, they must have their employer’s permission.
The application itself is straightforward: team name, team representative’s name, contact details, and a logo if you have one.
| “ |
If you’ve got the vision, now’s the time to prove it. – Phillip “Donna” Smith, program manager, DARPA Lift Challenge
|
Apply Early
While we’ll accept applications through May 1, we encourage applying as soon as possible. The sooner a team applies, the higher they are on the list to pick preferred flight days at the competition.
Connect with Industry
The Lift Challenge Contributor Portal is also open. This resource connects U.S.-based companies offering funding, services, equipment, and mentorship to Lift Challenge competitors.
Companies interested in supporting the future of drone technology are welcome to advertise available resources for the competing teams designing the next generation of heavy vertical lift aviation. Competitors may voluntarily use the portal to identify potential partners to help them realize their design vision.
“The Lift Challenge is not just a prize competition – it's a catalyst for long-term growth and innovation of the American drone industry,” said Smith. “Participants will play a critical role in advancing vertical lift technologies that will have far-reaching benefits for the entire drone industry and ultimately national security. If you want your work seen, tested, and remembered—this is your moment.”
For more information about the Lift Challenge, including frequently asked questions, prize info, and more, visit darpa.mil/lift.
###
Media with inquiries should contact DARPA Public Affairs.
