Launched in 2018, the Army xTech program has awarded $29 million in cash prizes, with the majority going to small businesses, through 48 different topic focused competitions. It is one of the most accessible entry points to secure funding, validation and technology transition partners. The program uses prize-based competitions to identify innovative solutions to real world Army challenges from startups, academic teams, and emerging commercial innovators, and is an entry point for new technologies to connect with Army users, labs, and acquisition offices.

For founders, Army xTech is best understood as a front-door program. It helps companies test whether the Army is a real customer, gain early validation, and position themselves for SBIR Phase II, Phase III, or other follow-on Army contracts. Participants of the program have generated $2.6 billion in follow-on contracts.

Army xTech is well suited for companies that:

Have a demonstrable technology concept or prototype
Are building dual-use or defense-relevant technology
Want early customer discovery with Army end users and acquisition offices
Are considering SBIR but want validation before or alongside applying

No prior defense contracting experience is needed. Many xTech participants are non-traditional defense companies using it as their first engagement with the Army innovation ecosystem.

How Army xTech Works

Army xTech runs open-topic and topic-specific competitions that invite solutions to real Army capability needs. Most competitions start with a short concept white paper, typically around three to five pages. Some also include an optional three-minute video.

Companies that advance may be invited to pitch, demonstrate their technology, or engage directly with Army stakeholders. While early prize awards are relatively small, the real value is access. xTech creates direct connections to the people who can sponsor SBIR follow-on work or fund transition.

Army xTech and Army FUZE

Army xTech now sits under Army FUZE, the Army’s new innovation engine designed to accelerate technology discovery, development, and deployment across a unified framework.

Within Army Fuze, xTech plays a critical early-stage role. It serves as a discovery and vetting mechanism, helping the Army identify high-potential companies before larger SBIR Phase II or Phase III investments are made. For founders, this means xTech participation is increasingly valuable as a signal of Army interest and a stepping stone into larger funding opportunities. It can also validate Army demand before submitting an SBIR proposal.

Utah Founder Support and Success

Utah companies supported by the Nucleus Grow team have seen strong results in Army xTech competitions, including multiple winners, finalists, and semifinalists. Our team regularly helps founders assess fit, prepare xTech submissions, and strategize for SBIR Phase II and Phase III transition strategies.