By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Innovation Programs, including xTech and the Army SBIR|STTR Program

WASHINGTON – On March 5, 2025, the U.S. Army xTech Program launched, xTechPacific 2025. This competition serves as a beacon of technological advancement, designed to enhance the U.S. military’s long-distance operational capabilities across the extensive Indo-Pacific region through $345,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity for follow on SBIR contracts.

How it Works

In collaboration with U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the Army’s Catalyst Pathfinder Program, the xTechPacific competition will award up to $345,000 in cash prizes. The program will select up to 12 finalists each receiving $20,000 in cash prizes and an invitation to present their innovative solutions to Army and Department of Defense (DoD) experts in a live experimentation event.

The live experimentation event is a critical aspect of the competition, as it provides a direct connection between innovators and the Soldiers who will ultimately benefit from their technologies. This feedback loop allows for real-world testing, giving innovators insights into how their solutions can improve operational effectiveness, safety, and efficiency. The Army will evaluate how these technologies address critical challenges, ensuring that only the most impactful and feasible innovations are selected.

Following the experiment event, the Army will select up to three final winners who will each receive a cash prize of $35,000 each and the opportunity to submit a Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal through the Army SBIR Program valued at up to $2,000,000 each and totaling $6,000,000 in funding. The SBIR program provides a path for businesses to take their innovations from prototype to real-world application, benefiting Soldiers by developing technologies that improve operational effectiveness, safety, and efficiency.

Participants will have the chance to connect with key Army and DoD representatives, fostering relationships that could propel their businesses forward.

Competition Timeline

• Competition Launch: On March 5, 2025, the xTech Program will launch the competition at the Pacific Operational Science and Technology (POST) Conference.
• Concept White Papers & Video Demonstration: Between March 5 – April 2, 2025, businesses may submit their short concept white papers, outlining technology alignment, solution’s advantages and impact, technical approach, and commercial potential as well as submit their pre-recorded videos that demonstrate the technology and its readiness to participate in a live experimentation event. USARPAC Science and Technology (S&T) experts, USARPAC Warfighters, and DEVCOM experts will review these submissions.
• Finals Experimentation Event: In fall 2025, xTech and USARPAC will collaborate with the Army’s CATALYST Pathfinder Program to execute a live experimentation event in Hawaii. Finalists will conduct proof-of-concept technical demonstrations for a panel of Army experts.
• Follow-On SBIR Opportunities: Between November 12 – December 17, 2025, xTechPacific 2025 winners will have the opportunity to submit a Direct to Phase II SBIR proposal.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in xTechPacific 2025, vendors must be for-profit businesses operating in the U.S. that adhere to 13 C.F.R. § 121.702, excluding non-profits. 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 have pending funding from other federal agencies. If there is any uncertainty about this, vendors should visit the xTechPacific Competition Request for Information for further details and to ensure their innovative solutions are eligible for submission to this competition.

About the 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.

Stay Updated

For more information, subscribe to email updates, explore the Army xTech Program website or follow us on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. For inquiries, please contact the xTech Program mailbox.

Get ready to innovate and make a difference.