Anduril launched the AI Grand Prix, a global autonomous drone-racing series with a $500,000 prize pool that shifts the sport from pilots to software and creates a hiring pipeline for engineers.

The format is designed to isolate code as the variable. All competitors will race identical small racing drones supplied by Neros Technologies and will be prohibited from making hardware modifications. Drone Champions League will operate the race platform, and JobsOhio is partnering to host the final in Columbus. Anduril said it welcomes teams worldwide except entrants from Russia and expects a field of at least 50 university and independent engineering teams.