About Us

In 2013, students, inspired by the DARPA project, embarked on an initiative at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) aimed at aligning with the objectives set forth by the competition. This endeavor was christened “UAV Forge” in homage to the DARPA competition. It is noteworthy to mention that the DARPA competition has been inactive since 2013.

Since 2017, UAV Forge has been an active participant in the AUVSI SUAS competition. The decision was made to retain the name “UAV Forge,” notwithstanding the discontinuation of the DARPA competition and its association with the team. This choice was predicated on considerations of historical continuity and consistency. The legacy associated with the appellation “UAV Forge” within the UCI community was deemed worthy of preservation and perpetuation.

​Over the years, UAV Forge has experienced significant growth, both in membership and in technical expertise. Now comprising over thirty-five dedicated members, the team has evolved into a dynamic and multidisciplinary engineering organization. Our efforts extend beyond competition preparation; we actively collaborate with research initiatives across the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) departments at UCI, contributing to the broader academic community through applied engineering solutions and shared resources.

UAV Forge holds the distinction of being the sole autonomous vehicle project team at the University of California, Irvine. Our work bridges traditionally distinct disciplines, demanding rigorous integration of mechanical design, electrical systems, and advanced software development. This cross-functional nature distinguishes us not only in terms of technical complexity but also in fostering a holistic engineering environment where collaboration is paramount. In recognition of our impact and innovation, UAV Forge has been honored multiple times with the Dean’s Choice Award—an acknowledgment of both our engineering achievements and our embodiment of the university’s values in hands-on learning and student leadership.

Beyond our technical milestones, UAV Forge is rooted in a culture that prioritizes mentorship, camaraderie, and shared purpose. We operate not merely as a student organization, but as a community. Our internal practices are modeled on industry standards, ensuring that our members graduate with not only engineering proficiency but with the professional mindset and skills necessary for success in competitive, real-world environments.

Ultimately, while UAV Forge serves as a platform for academic and professional development, it has become much more to those who are a part of it. We do not simply build autonomous systems—we build passion. We are not on this team solely to learn; we stay because we have come to love the work, the mission, and the people who make it possible.