The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) has unveiled the 42nd Annual Student Design Competition (SDC) sponsored by Airbus, with a focus on designing a pioneering hydrogen-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This collegiate challenge, initiated in 1983, tasks engineering students at colleges and universities to create a VTOL aircraft that meets specified requirements, aiming to foster student interest in VTOL engineering and technology. This year's competition, titled 'Pioneering Hydrogen-Electric VTOL,' supports the aviation sector's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by exploring hydrogen as an energy carrier. The request for proposal (RFP) challenges university teams to conceptually design an electric VTOL aircraft using gaseous hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, with Airbus sponsoring $12,500 in prize money to promote the initiative. The VFS, founded as the American Helicopter Society in 1943, is a global non-profit society dedicated to advancing vertical flight technology. With over 80 years of experience, VFS has been at the forefront of technical, safety, and advocacy initiatives in vertical flight technology. The Society is actively involved in promoting hydrogen initiatives and encourages universities worldwide to participate in the competition to address the specific challenges and requirements of hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft. VFS serves as a thought leader in vertical flight, electric flight, and hydrogen flight developments. The Society's online presence includes various social media platforms under the handles @VTOLsociety and @ElectricVTOL. Through these initiatives, VFS aims to engage with a global audience interested in the advancements of vertical flight technology.