tech
January 27, 2026
Anduril has invented a wild new drone flying contest where jobs are the prize
This is a race series for software programmers and the brainchild of founder Palmer Luckey, he tells TechCrunch.
TL;DR
- Anduril founder Palmer Luckey is creating the AI Grand Prix, a drone racing competition focused on autonomous flight.
- Participants will compete using software they write to control drones, rather than manual piloting.
- Prizes include $500,000 split among top teams and potential jobs at Anduril, bypassing standard recruitment.
- The event aims to showcase advancements in autonomous technology.
- Drones used will be from Neros Technologies, not Anduril's larger models.
- The competition is being operated in partnership with the Drone Champions League and JobsOhio.
- The final race will be held in Ohio.
- Teams from Russia are excluded due to the country's invasion of Europe.
- Teams from China are welcome, but winning candidates with ties to the Chinese military will not be eligible for employment at Anduril.
- The contest includes three qualifying rounds starting in April and a final race in November.