DARPA Lift Challenge
ID: DARPA-SN-25-109Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCYARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/96e051c8c9684900810b31d174cbe185/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is sponsoring the DARPA Lift Challenge, aimed at advancing vertical lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by achieving a significant improvement in payload-to-weight ratios to 4:1. This challenge invites participants to develop novel UAS designs capable of meeting this goal, with multiple prizes awarded for innovative solutions. The challenge is unclassified and open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and U.S. entities, with registration opening on January 5, 2026, and closing on May 1, 2026. Interested participants can reach out to the TTO BAA Coordinator at DARPALiftChallenge@darpa.mil for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    TTO BAA Coordinator
    DARPALiftChallenge@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DARPA-SN-25-109_ Lift Challenge Announcement.pdf
    DARPA's Tactical Technology Office is sponsoring the DARPA Lift Challenge in Summer 2026, aiming to advance vertical lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by improving their payload-to-weight ratio. The challenge seeks novel UAS designs capable of achieving a 4:1 payload-to-weight ratio, a significant improvement over the current 1:1 or less. Multiple prizes will be awarded for overall payload weight and revolutionary designs. Registration opens January 5, 2026, and closes May 1, 2026, with participation limited to the first 200 eligible U.S. registrants. The challenge is unclassified, and participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents representing U.S. entities to be eligible for cash prizes. This notice is for informational purposes only and not a solicitation for proposals.
    DARPA-SN-25-109-Amendment-01.pdf
    The DARPA Lift Challenge, detailed in Special Notice DARPA-SN-25-109 Amendment 01, seeks to advance vertical lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by improving payload-to-weight ratios to 4:1. Originally posted on October 23, 2025, with an amendment on November 18, 2025, this notice updates registration to 'application,' clarifies team definitions, and revises eligibility. A virtual Q&A webinar is scheduled for December 4, 2025, with applications opening January 5, 2026, and closing May 1, 2026. The challenge, taking place in Summer 2026, is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and U.S. entities, with specific restrictions for ineligible applicants. Prizes will be awarded for novel UAS designs. This special notice serves as an informational announcement and not a solicitation for proposals.
    DARPA-SN-25-109.pdf
    DARPA's Tactical Technology Office is sponsoring the unclassified DARPA Lift Challenge in Summer 2026, aiming to advance vertical lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by improving their payload-to-weight ratio from the typical 1:1 or less to 4:1. This Special Notice, DARPA-SN-25-109, provides information for potential participants. Registration opens on January 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET and closes on May 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET, with participation limited to the first 200 eligible registrants. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents representing U.S. entities, or individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Cash prize winners must provide a U.S. taxpayer identification number. This notice is for informational purposes only and not a solicitation for proposals.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    DARPA Lift Challenge
    Currently viewing
    Special Notice
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