By Sarah Hepburn, Army Innovation Programs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army xTech Program, in collaboration with U.S. Army Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Task Force, is excited to announce its second live pitch competition, xTechLive. Set to take place during the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week in Tampa, Florida from May 6-7, 2025, xTechLive will identify cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing deep-sensing capabilities for the Joint Force.

With a prize pool of up to $100,000, the competition seeks breakthrough solutions that enable deep-sensing, all-weather, all-terrain intelligence gathering across the U.S. Indo-Pacific Area of Operations. These technologies must support resilient, long-range operations in dispersed and contested environments, spanning Arctic, jungle, maritime, and urban terrains. Solutions should integrate advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), and targeting capabilities, whether aerial or terrestrial, with a focus on survivability and operational effectiveness.

As a live pitch event, xTechLive offers a unique platform for small and medium-sized businesses to present their innovations in real time, gaining immediate feedback and engagement from Army leaders and SOF operators. This format accelerates the Army’s ability to identify, assess, and adopt next-generation technologies critical to future mission success.

Competition Overview

Led by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisitions, Logistics and Technology, the second xTechLive competition invites eligible small and medium-sized businesses attending SOF Week to engage with the Department of Defense (DoD), earn prize money, and potentially participate in a post-competition technology pitch event.

The xTech Program will select up to 18 eligible applicants onsite during registration over two days to present their technology concepts live to a panel of U.S. Army and DoD experts. Participants will have five minutes to pitch their novel technology solutions, followed by a five-minute question and answer session from the judging panel.

Up to six participants will be selected as final winners of the competition and will receive a cash prize of $10,000 for fifth and sixth place; $15,000 for third and fourth place; and $25,000 for first and second place. Competition winners may also have an opportunity to demo their technology concept at an event hosted by the U.S. Army ISR Task Force, tentatively scheduled for July 2025.

Registration will take place at the U.S. Army xTech Program booth, number 5024, in the JW Marriott H.B. Plant Foyer on May 6-7. Participants can register on May 6 between 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM ET, and on May 7 between 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM ET. For more competition details and to view the detailed problem statement, visit the xTechLive at SOF Week 2025 competition page.

First xTechLive Sets the Stage for the Next Iteration

The xTech Program hosted the inaugural xTechLive competition in January at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The competition planned to host 30 live pitches, but with a line of businesses wrapped around the corner, xTech added several more pitches to the event. During an electrifying finale at CES, xTech announced ten winners—each receiving $10,000—for their innovative solutions in Army modernization areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things/Sensing, and Robotics.

Building on the success of the inaugural xTechLive, the second iteration at SOF Week 2025 is looking to be just as dynamic and impactful. This event will showcase cutting-edge dual-use solutions for the Army while strengthening connections between industry and DoD leaders. xTechLive demonstrates how programs like xTech provide a direct pathway for innovators to get their technology in front of the right Army experts. If you’re a small or medium-sized business attending SOF Week this May, stop by the xTech booth during registration hours for a chance to secure a spot and pitch your solution to Army leaders.

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.

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