NOVEMBER 19-21, 2025 | NATIONAL HARBOR, MD
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The Drone Dominance Innovation Challenge, presented in partnership with the Vertical Lift Consortium, accelerates next-generation capabilities in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in alignment with the White House Executive Order to strengthen U.S. leadership in the field. This open innovation competition invites visionary innovators to submit cutting-edge prototypes, software solutions, and operational models that enable safer, smarter, and more secure drone operations.
Finalists will pitch live at the Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit, where they’ll deliver a five-minute presentation followed by two minutes of Q&A from a panel of expert reviewers representing industry, investment, and government. Awardees will split a prize pool of $50,000.
Key Focus Areas:
- BVLOS Operations
- eVTOL Integration
- AI-Augmented Waiver and Approval Systems
- Advanced Airspace Integration
- Supply Chain and Domestic Manufacturing
- Counter-UAS, Detection and Security
Who Should Apply
Companies of all sizes and stages of development are encouraged to apply! We seek innovative solutions with potential applications across civilian, military, or dual-use environments.
Timeline
Open Application: August 20
Close Application: September 19
Notify Finalists: Early October
Finalist Confirmations Due: October 15
Pitch: November 20
Pitch Event
Finalists will pitch for five minutes, followed by two minutes of Q&A from a panel of expert reviewers. Winners will be announced on-site and will share $50,000.
Location: Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center | National Harbor, MD
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Defense TechConnect is the nation's largest innovation matchmaking program aligned with national technology priorities and federal funding opportunities.
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