Application Submission

Team Application Window
January 5, 2026 - May 1, 2026

If required, team leads that previously submitted a team application should email DARPALiftChallenge@sainc.com to submit updates instead of creating a new application. Teams will need to include the application email address and reference code provided in their confirmation email in the request. 

Team Eligibility

Team application is limited to individuals who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders), representing only U.S. entities (e.g., companies, academic institutions). Non-U.S. individuals and organizations may participate but must have a U.S. sponsor as the applicant and team representative.

The DARPA Lift Challenge will be conducted at the Unclassified level.

All Challenge participants and individuals attending the Challenge events will be required to present a government issued photo identification when requested by the event site security staff.

To be eligible to win a monetary prize, a team representing an entity (e.g., non-profits, companies or academic institutions) must be incorporated and maintain a primary place of business (e.g., located) in the United States. Any individual(s) participating singly or in a team not representing an entity, must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. The winner will be required to provide a U.S. taxpayer identification number (TIN) or a social security number to receive the monetary prize. Information on how to obtain a TIN is available on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service website at www.IRS.gov.

DARPA retains the right to approve or deny team qualification based on materials submitted. 

Questions?

For Lift Challenge Team Application site questions please email DARPALiftChallenge@sainc.com.
For questions related specifically to qualifications, please email DARPALiftChallenge@darpa.mil.