By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Prize Competitions and Army SBIR|STTR Program

The U.S. Army xTech Prize Competition Program proudly announces xTechIgnite, an opportunity for businesses to pitch their innovative ideas to Army experts, win cash prizes and potentially secure Phase I or Direct to Phase II Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding opportunities.

How it works

xTechIgnite, in coordination with six Army acquisition organizations, including Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition and PEOs Command, Control, Communications & Network; Combat Support & Combat Service Support; Enterprise, Ground Combat Systems; and Intelligence Electronic Warfare & Sensors, will award up to $400,000 in cash prizes. Up to 64 finalists will each receive $2,500 and an invitation to pitch their technology solutions to Army and Department of Defense subject matter experts.

The Army will select up to 24 final winners, each eligible for a $10,000 cash prize and the opportunity to submit a Phase I or Direct to Phase II SBIR proposal through the Army SBIR Program. The Army SBIR Program will offer follow-on funding opportunities for xTechIgnite winners valued up to $27 million.

Beyond cash prizes and contract opportunities, participants can connect and engage with top Army and DoD representatives, fostering relationships that can propel their businesses forward. Registration information and detailed instructions will be available online. Businesses can submit 3-page short concept white papers starting February 5, 2025, through March 12, 2025.

Army Demand Signal Event

As 2025 begins, the Army prepares for an exciting new year. Alongside xTechIgnite, the Army SBIR|STTR and xTech Programs will join the inaugural Army Demand Signal Event at Stanford University on February 6, 2025. This event, hosted by America’s Frontier Fund, Venrock and the Stanford Gordian Knot Cente r, aims to provide innovators with a better understanding of Army technology needs, capabilities and viable development pathways. The event will also feature the launch of the xTechIgnite competition, where each of the six PEOs will spotlight the key technology areas they need innovative solutions for within the competition.

Stay tuned for more information by following us on LinkedIn. Let’s make this mission a reality together.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in xTechIgnite, vendors must be for-profit businesses that adhere to 13 C.F.R. § 121.702, excluding non-profits. Additionally, ownership is key. Over 50% of the equity must be held by U.S. citizens, permanent residents or other for-profit small businesses with no more than 500 employees, including affiliates.

Proposals must be fresh and unique, distinct from any that have received funding, are currently funded or are pending with other federal agencies. If there’s any uncertainty about this, visit the SBIR Broad Agency Announcement for further details and to ensure your innovative solutions are eligible for submission to this competition.

About the Army xTech Program

Established in 2018, the Army xTech Program offers participants unparalleled exposure to Army laboratories, program executive offices and program managers. Participants receive valuable feedback from Army DoD stakeholders and gain access to training, mentorship and networking opportunities, aligning their solutions with Army needs. The xTech Program hosts several competitions annually, including open-topic competitions like  xTechSearch and technology-specific competitions addressing critical Army requirements. For more information, visit the xTech Program website.

Get ready to innovate and make a difference.