DARPA received applications from 78 teams for Track B, including PAVE, bringing the total number of entrants in the Urban Challenge to 89. Though the pool is slightly smaller than for the 2005 Grand Challenge, we look forward to the same intense competition and outstanding designs. Best of luck!

DARPA has selected eleven teams to receive grants of up to $1M and compete in Track A of the Urban Challenge. In addition, Congress voted not to extend DARPA’s prize authority, so the winners of the Urban Challenge will instead receive ceremonial trophies.

PAVE will be competing in the Urban Challenge on Track B. We will have to go through the same multi-step qualification process as the Track A teams, but will not compete directly with them until the Final Event. The application deadline for Track B is October 13th. We are very curious to see what effect the lack of prize money will have on the number of teams that enter.

Congratulations to all of the Track A teams and best of luck – PAVE will see you at the start line!