White Paper Submissions Now Open - U.S. Army xTech Program

Written By Kristin Haacker

The U.S. Army xTech Program is now accepting concept white paper submissions for the xTechOverwatch competition and awarding up to $1 million in cash prizes and up to $40 million in Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract awards.

The xTechOverwatch competition is seeking innovative autonomous systems capable of conducting overwatch and terrain-shaping tasks by leveraging advanced AI, robotics, secure networking, and real-time data processing. The key technical areas of interest and their corresponding technologies, located in the RFI include:

Autonomous Unmanned Systems (UAVs, UGVs, Stationary Sensors)

  • Sensor Fusion, Data Integration, and AI-Driven Target Recognition & Classification

  • Secure Communications and Networking

  • Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for Effective Decision-Making

  • Edge Computing for Onboard Processing

  • Resilient Robotics for Adaptive Terrain Navigation

  • Automated Self-Recovery Mechanisms

  • Collaborative/Mission-Focused Autonomy

  • UGV and UAS Payloads

  • Modular & Open Architecture 

In addition to cash prizes and the opportunity to submit an Army SBIR proposal, the competition provides valuable benefits, including technical feedback from Department of Defense (DoD) experts. xTechOverwatch also connects companies with Army stakeholders and addresses real-world military needs. Participants gain direct access to key decision-makers, networking opportunities, and critical insights that can accelerate technology development and transition, driving innovation to support mission success.

Finalists of the competition will have the opportunity to participate in an optional collider event in August 2025, designed to foster networking, exchange expertise, and explore strategic collaborations with other finalists and industry partners beyond the competition. The finals are tentatively scheduled to take place at the Bush Combat Development Center (BCDC) in Bryan, TX, in conjunction with the HMI Summit, between October 27-29, 2025.

Our goal is to keep you informed and engaged in the Army xTech Program throughout the competition lifecycle. Since its launch in 2018, the xTech Program has spurred innovation around the world to develop transformative and cutting-edge technology solutions to tackle the most critical challenges the DoD is facing. We are excited to engage with innovative small businesses across the U.S. during the xTechOverwatch competition and help solve current needs across the DoD. 

The competition is now open and accepting concept white paper submissions until 1700 ET on 21 May 2025.  

To learn more about the competition or the program, visit the Army xTech Program website at https://www.xtech.army.mil/. For any questions about the competition or xTech Program, please contact: USArmy.xTech@army.mil. Please share this information with your organization, colleagues, and network of businesses.  

The xTechOverwatch competition is sponsored by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology in collaboration with Army Futures Command.

Kristin Haacker
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