WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program, in collaboration with the U.S. Army xTech Prize Competition Program, unveils eight potential Phase I and Direct to Phase II funding opportunities for xTechIgnite winners.

How xTechIgnite Works

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

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|STTR Program. The program will offer follow-on funding opportunities for xTechIgnite winners valued at up to $27 million.

Follow-On Funding Opportunities

Innovative Operations for Treatment and Processing of Wastewater

• Funding Area: Energy Resiliency
• Phase: Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Performance Period: Maximum 6 Months
• Funding: Maximum $250,000 Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-016

Bridge Health Monitoring System

• Funding Area: Contested Logistics and Sustainment
• Phase: Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Performance Period: Maximum 6 Months
• Funding: Maximum $250,000 Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-017

Generative AI-Enabled Tactical Network

• Funding Area: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Phase: Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Performance Period: Maximum 6 Months
• Funding: Maximum $250,000 Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-019

Novel AI Techniques for Insights in Various Environments

• Funding Area: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Phase: Direct to Phase II (Prototype Development)
• Performance Period: Maximum 18 Months
• Funding: Maximum $2 Million Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-018

Artificial Intelligence for Aided Driving of Ground Combat Vehicles

• Funding Area: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Phase: Direct to Phase II (Prototype Development)
• Performance Period: Maximum 24 Months
• Funding: Maximum $2 million Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-020

Ruggedized Sensors to Increase Driving Visibility and Vehicle Safety

• Funding Area: Sensors
• Phase: Direct to Phase II (Prototype Development)
• Performance Period: Maximum 18 Months
• Funding: Maximum $2 million Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-021

AI-Enabled Source Selection for Contract Proposal Evaluation

• Ecosystem: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Phase: Direct to Phase II (Prototype Development)
• Performance Period: Maximum 18 Months
• Funding: Maximum $2 million Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-022

AI-Enabled Portfolio Management

• Ecosystem: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Phase: Direct to Phase II (Prototype Development)
• Performance Period: Maximum 18 Months
• Funding: Maximum $2 million Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-023

Submission Window

• White Paper Submission Window: Feb. 5 – Mar. 12, 2025
• Open Period (Proposal Submissions): Jun. 12 – Jul. 9, 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 joined the inaugural Army Demand Signal Event at Stanford University on February 6, 2025. Hosted by America’s Frontier Fund, Venrock and the Stanford Gordian Knot Center, this event provided innovators with a better understanding of Army technology needs and viable development pathways. The event also featured the xTechIgnite competition launch, where each of the six PEOs spotlighted key technology areas needing innovative solutions.

Eligibility Requirements

Vendors must be for-profit businesses that adhere to 13 C.F.R. § 121.702, excluding non-profits. Over 50% of equity must be held by U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other for-profit small businesses with no more than 500 employees, including affiliates. Visit the Defense SBIR|STTR Innovation Portal to ensure eligibility. See the full xTechIgnite competition details here.

About the Army SBIR|STTR Program

The Army SBIR Program offers Phase I funding for innovators demonstrating commercial viability, feasibility and technical merit. Firms with mature technologies can advance to Phase II and Direct to Phase II contracts.

The Army STTR Program integrates small businesses with universities, federally funded research and development centers, or qualified non-profit research institutions, with small businesses as the prime contractors.

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.

About the Army xTech Program

Since its inception in 2018, the Army xTech Program has been a beacon of innovation, connecting participants directly with Army laboratories and decision-makers. It provides essential feedback, training and networking opportunities. Committed to fostering groundbreaking solutions, the program hosts multiple competitions annually to ensure that business innovations align perfectly with Army needs.

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