Over the past two years, artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from a frontier technology into practical, deployable capabilities that enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
Last year, DJI Enterprise has opened up onboard intelligent computing across multiple drone platforms, including the M4T and M400, enabling developers to deploy AI algorithms directly on drones and bring intelligence closer to real-world operations.
Against this backdrop, DJI Enterprise officially announces the Drone Onboard AI Challenge 2026, an initiative designed to explore, validate, and scale the value of onboard AI in drone-based applications.
Challenge Overview
The challenge is open to developers and users worldwide, inviting participants to explore and unlock the potential of drone onboard AI and accelerate its application across real-world operational scenarios.
By enabling AI algorithms to run directly on drones, the challenge aims to drive practical value creation in fields such as power utilities, public safety, inspection, agriculture, natural resources, and emergency response.
The competition centers on Algorithms on Aircraft and Manifold 3, encouraging participants to build end-to-end onboard AI solutions that move beyond isolated technical breakthroughs toward scalable, deployable workflows.
In addition, the challenge offers participants official recognition and rewards, with evaluation led by experts from the AI and industry application fields. The focus is on accelerating real-world validation, deployment, and large-scale adoption of outstanding onboard AI solutions.
Algorithms on Aircraft
DJI opens its onboard computing capabilities to developers. With just a few simple steps of model training and deployment preparation, AI algorithms can be deployed directly onto the latest DJI Enterprise drone platforms, enabling intelligent detection and analysis aligned with real-world operational scenarios.
[ Click here to learn more about the developer platform ]
Manifold 3
Manifold 3 is a computing expansion module designed for DJI Enterprise drones. It provides high-performance edge computing resources and native PSDK interface support, enabling seamless integration and stable communication with drone platforms.
By accessing onboard media and sensor data, and when combined with flight control and route planning capabilities, Manifold 3 helps developers build automated and intelligent onboard AI applications.
Algorithms on the Cloud
Based on DJI FlightHub 2’s high-definition, low-latency media streaming channel, Algorithms on the Cloud enable rapid integration between live drone streaming and self-built cloud-based intelligent inference services. Users can remotely and in real time view intelligent algorithm detection results and trigger automatic alerts, making drone operations smarter and more efficient.
Eligible Participants: participants include, but are not limited to, DJI developers; enterprises, institutions, and universities engaged in related fields such as artificial intelligence, wildlife protection, public safety, agriculture, transportation, and new energy; as well as individuals with relevant technical capabilities and qualifications.
Technical Requirements: submitted solutions must be developed based on the DJI Matrice 4 Series, DJI Matrice 4D Series, DJI Dock 3, DJI Matrice 400, or the Manifold 3 platform. Each solution must include 'Algorithms on Aircraft' that can be deployed on DJI drones, or 'Algorithms on Aircraft' developed on the Manifold 3 platform. Solutions that also incorporate 'Algorithms on the Cloud' may receive additional points.
Competition Schedule (February 2026 – June 2026)
February: Opening of the registration and consultation channel;
March: Opening of proposal submission and release of detailed competition guidelines;
May: Announcement of shortlisted proposals and opening of trial access and voting channels;
June: Proposal evaluation and announcement of award-winning solutions.
* In the event of special circumstances, the competition schedule may be adjusted. Please refer to subsequent official announcements.
Awards and Benefits
Shortlisting Stage
Awards: Finalist Award (multiple winners)
Benefits: Finalist solutions will be showcased on the official DJI Developer competition website, gaining exposure to the global developer and industry community.
Final Stage
Awards：
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Best Onboard AI Model Award — 5 winners
Prize：
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Osmo Pocket series gift set
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Manifold 3 kit
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Trophy
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Industry Application Excellence Award — 10 winners
Prize：
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Manifold 3 kit
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Trophy
Benefits:
- Winning solutions will be featured on DJI Enterprise official channels, receiving official promotional exposure.
- Outstanding solutions will be included in the official 'Onboard AI Solutions Catalog', providing direct opportunities to engage with customers.
- Ecosystem solutions will receive fast-track certification and priority access to new products and technical support as part of ecosystem benefits.
The registration channel will open soon. Please follow DJI Enterprise official channels and the official website for the latest updates on the DJI Enterprise Drone Onboard AI Challenge 2026. We look forward to your participation!
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