Anduril has invented a wild new drone flying contest where jobs are the prize

image via TechCrunch

January 27, 2026, 9:54 PM

• •The AI Grand Prix focuses on autonomous drone racing, challenging engineers to develop the best flight software.
• •Prizes include a $500,000 pot and potential job offers at Anduril, with a direct path into the company.
• •The competition excludes teams from Russia due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, but welcomes teams from China.
• •The event will have qualifying rounds starting in April, with the final race in November.

Anduril founder Palmer Luckey is launching the AI Grand Prix, a drone racing competition where software engineers compete to make drones fly autonomously. The event offers a $500,000 prize, job opportunities at Anduril, and a chance to bypass standard recruiting. The competition will feature drones from Neros Technologies and be operated in partnership with the Drone Champions League and JobsOhio. While teams from China are welcome, those affiliated with the Chinese military will not be eligible for Anduril jobs due to legal restrictions.

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