By Daniel Smoot and Alexandria Mann, Army Innovation Programs

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Army xTech Program has launched xTechSearch 9, the latest iteration of its premier open-topic prize competition to identify and accelerate disruptive technologies from U.S.-based small businesses. This flagship competition initiative supports rapid innovation pathways that directly enhance Soldier readiness and drive force modernization.

Administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program, xTechSearch 9 is focused on identifying breakthrough solutions with strong commercial viability and the potential to deliver transformative capabilities to the Army.

xTechSearch 9 welcomes proposals from companies that may not have previously worked with the Department of Defense but can clearly articulate how their technology solves a relevant Army challenge. Successful submissions will demonstrate technical feasibility, a clear competitive advantage and strong commercial potential.

Participants will have their solutions evaluated by a diverse panel of Army and DoD subject matter experts. Technologies will be assessed for their ability to improve operational effectiveness, reduce life cycle costs, and accelerate transition into Army systems—ensuring the force remains equipped with the most advanced capabilities available.

“The Army understands the importance of maintaining a tactical edge over our adversaries, and keeping the force equipped with new, disruptive technologies is one step of the process,” said Dr. Matt Willis, director of Army Innovation Programs. “By hosting open-topic competitions like xTechSearch 9, the Army actively partners with U.S-based small businesses to explore emerging technologies that could significantly impact our modernization priorities.”

Competition Structure

xTechSearch 9 features a three-part format that offers each participant up to $30,000 in cash prizes, over the course of the competition, and the opportunity to earn follow-on Army SBIR Phase I funding worth up to $250,000.

• Part One: Concept White Paper Submissions
• By 5 p.m. EDT on June 4, 2025, small businesses must submit a three-page white paper outlining their technology concept, feasibility, dual-use potential and relevance to Army needs. A panel of Department of Defense experts will review the submissions, select up to 60 companies, and award each $5,000 in cash prizes. Selected companies will advance to the finals and join the xTechSearch 9 Accelerator Program.
• Part Two: Competition Finals
• Finalists will present their technology concepts and transition plans to a panel of Army and DoD experts. The panel will select up to 24 winners, each receiving an additional $25,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to submit an Army SBIR Phase I proposal.
• Part Three: Request for Army SBIR Phase I Proposal
• In October, winners will have an opportunity to submit an Army SBIR Phase I proposal. During the anticipated six-month performance period, Army subject matter experts will provide developmental and assessment-based feedback to help refine and evaluate proposed technologies in practical settings.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in xTechSearch 9, vendors must be for-profit businesses operating in the U.S. that adhere to 13 C.F.R. § 121.702. 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 xTechSearch 9 competition Request for Information for further details and to ensure their innovative solutions are eligible for submission to this competition.

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 with Army stakeholders. More than just competitions, xTech provides participants with essential feedback, training and meaningful opportunities to network. By hosting multiple competitions annually, the program accelerates the development of dual-use technologies that directly addresses Army needs, enabling innovators to refine their solutions, navigate the defense ecosystem and transition towards partnerships that deliver meaningful capabilities to Soldiers.

About the Army SBIR|STTR Program

Army SBIR continuously releases funding opportunities, including Phase I funding for commercially viable, feasible, and technically sound solutions. Firms with mature technologies meeting Phase I requirements can advance to Phase II or go directly to Direct to Phase II contracts. Throughout the process, technical, acquisition, and operational Army experts guide businesses to align their innovations with the Army’s critical needs.

Army STTR integrates small businesses in the Army innovation ecosystem by coordinating with universities, federally funded research and development centers, or qualified non-profit research institutions, with small businesses as the prime contractors. Small businesses must function as prime contractors, performing at least 40% of the work while research partners perform at least 30%.

ASA(ALT) leverages innovative technologies to give Soldiers a decisive advantage in any environment by developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the world’s finest equipment and services. For more information, visit the ASA(ALT) web page and follow @ArmyASAALT.

Stay Updated

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