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.

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'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.