The U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)) recognizes that the U.S. Army must enhance engagements with industry by reaching new audiences through innovative platforms such as live pitch competitions at conferences. This initiative aims to: (1) understand the spectrum of ‘world-class’ technologies being developed commercially that may benefit the U.S. DoD; (2) integrate the sector of non-traditional innovators into the U.S. DoD Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem; and (3) provide expertise and feedback to accelerate, mature, and transition technologies of interest to the U.S. DoD.
The competition will award up to $100,000 in cash prizes to selected participants. The U.S. Army xTech Program will host up to 30 pitch presentations over the course of three (3) days at the xTech Program booth during CES 2025. Presentations will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, with verification of information provided in the registration form. Registration will take place onsite at the booth. For additional details, please refer to Section IV. Up to 10 winners will be announced live on the Eureka Park Main Stage at CES 2025, each receiving a cash prize of $10,000.
In addition to non-dilutive cash prizes, participants may have the opportunity to engage with U.S. Army and DoD experts attending CES 2025, receiving valuable feedback on their innovations.
The efforts described in this notice are being pursued under the authorities of Title 10 U.S.C. § 4025 to award cash prizes as described in this announcement.
While the authority of this program operates under Title 10 U.S.C. § 4025, the xTechLive pitch competition may generate interest by another U.S. Army, DoD or United States Government (USG) organization for a funding opportunity outside of this program (e.g., submission of a proposal under a Broad Agency Announcement). The interested organization may contact the participant to provide additional information or ask for a request for proposal in a separate solicitation. Winners of the prize competition may be invited to submit a separate proposal for further development of their proposed technology solution based on the needs of the U.S. Army. The Army may use a contract mechanism of their choice and will notify the participants accordingly.
The U.S. Army xTech Program utilizes the online evaluation and feedback tool, Valid Eval, to accept applications and streamline the evaluation and feedback process. xTech will provide a feedback report to participants following the live pitches that will be accessible through the tool. The purpose of providing this report is to assist in potentially accelerating transition of the technology to an Army end-user by providing insight on best applications for the technology, suggestions for product improvement for Army use and recommended next steps for development. However, the government may not respond to questions or inquiries regarding this feedback.
The xTech Program will not provide travel or registration funding for eligible entities to attend CES 2025.
Topics and Problem Statements
The xTechLive pitch competition is seeking novel capabilities and technology solutions that can assist in tackling the U.S. Army’s current needs and apply to current U.S. Army concepts across three key technology areas:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI);
- Internet of Things (IoT)/Sensing; and
- Robotics.
Awards:- $100,000
Deadline:- 07-01-2025
