Palmer Luckey’s defense tech startup Anduril has launched a global AI-powered drone racing competition with an unusual reward: a $500,000 cash prize and a job at the company.
Dubbed the “AI Grand Prix,” the contest invites individuals and teams from around the world to build autonomous systems capable of flying high-speed racing drones through professional courses with no human control. The fastest fully autonomous drone wins, with success determined entirely by code quality.
The competition begins in April with virtual rounds, followed by in-person qualifiers in California in September. The final race will take place in November in Ohio, near Anduril’s massive Arsenal-1 factory outside Columbus.
Participants of any nationality or age can compete, though minors won’t be eligible for employment. Teams of up to eight are allowed, with the prize money split among members if a team wins.
The idea reflects Luckey’s preference for unconventional hiring. Anduril has previously run campaigns mocking traditional tech culture and actively recruits outside Silicon Valley, including military veterans.
Valued at over $30 billion and reportedly considering an IPO in 2026, Anduril has become a leading player in the defense tech boom, competing directly with legacy contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing.