By Sarah Hepburn, Office of Army Innovation Programs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army xTech Program, in partnership with Army Futures Command, has selected 40 finalists to advance to the final stage of xTechOverwatch, a competition that provides small businesses the opportunity to engage with the DoD and earn prize money. The competition will conclude in October 2025 at the Army Unmanned Systems Summit V, where participants will demonstrate their solutions to a panel of Army and DoD stakeholders.

Led by the Office of Army Innovation Programs under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisitions, Logistics and Technology, the competition seeks innovative concepts from eligible U.S.-based small businesses for advanced autonomous unmanned systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles and sensor networks. These solutions must identify and occupy advantageous overwatch positions, adapt to terrain constraints and execute mission objectives with minimal human intervention.

The xTechOverwatch competition received more than 630 submissions from small businesses across the country. This strong response underscores the Army’s commitment to accelerating innovation by engaging industry and leveraging mission-driven experimentation to fast-track emerging technologies into potential operational use.

Each of the 40 finalists received a $15,000 cash prize to offset participation costs and to support continued technology development. By lowering financial barriers, the Army enables small businesses to pursue collaboration and accelerate the path from prototype to deployment.

In preparation for the final experimentation event, finalists will gather in Austin, Texas, this August for an AFC-hosted Collider event at Fed Supernova. The Collider offers a unique opportunity to refine technologies, build partnerships and align with Army mission objectives.

After the Collider, finalists will virtually pitch their solution to a panel of Army and DoD experts prior to participating in the experimentation event. Following the final experimentation event, the Army will select up to 20 winners to receive an additional $20,000 each, and the opportunity to submit a Direct to Phase II Army Small Business Innovation Research proposal through the Army SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer Program.

With awards of up to $2 million per project and a total funding pool of $40 million, the initiative offers a significant opportunity to advance innovations from prototype to real-world deployment. The Army is driving this effort to deliver cutting-edge technologies into the hands of Soldiers, boost operational performance and safety, and build lasting connections with key Army and DoD stakeholders

Visit the xTechOverwatch competition page to view the finalists and their proposed technologies.

About the Army xTech Program

Since its inception in 2018, the Army xTech Program has become a catalyst for innovation, bridging the gap between emerging technology developers and Army stakeholders. More than just competitions, xTech provides participants with essential feedback, training and meaningful opportunities to network. By hosting multiple competitions each year, the program accelerates the development of dual-use technologies that directly address Army needs, enabling innovators to refine their solutions, navigate the defense ecosystem and forge partnerships that deliver meaningful capabilities to Soldiers.

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Any references to commercial products or services are not, and shall not be construed, as official Army or DoD endorsements.