Level 1
TECHNOLOGY AREAS
Air Platform
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Battlespace
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Bio Medical
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Chem Bio Defense
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Electronics
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Human Systems
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Information Systems
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Materials
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Sensors
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Space Platforms
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Weapons
MODERNIZATION PRIORITIES
Advanced Computing and Software
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Advanced Materials
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Biotechnology
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Human-Machine Interfaces
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Hypersonics
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Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems
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Integrated Sensing and Cyber
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Microelectronics
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Quantum Science
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Trusted AI and Autonomy
KEYWORDS
Reactive textiles; Chemical neutralization; Protective clothing; Self-decontaminating fabric; Advanced PPE; Air filtration; VOC removal; Hazmat gear; MXene; Rapid decontamination; Chemical spill response; Environmental remediation; Surface decontamination; Hazmat cleanup; Metal-organic frameworks; MOF beads; Air purification; Water purification; Pollutant removal; High-porosity sorbent; Emissions scrubbing; Collective protection; Seal monitoring; Predictive maintenance; Condition monitoring; Hydraulic systems; Failure prevention; Equipment diagnostics; Fleet readiness; Industrial sensors; Infrared imaging; Sensor calibration; Long-range targeting; Thermal imaging; Distortion correction; Precision measurement; Surveillance optics; GPS alternative; PNT resilience; Ionospheric correction; Navigation backup; Anti-jamming; Precision timing; Autonomous navigation; Signal integrity; APNT; Pleated filter; Membrane filtration; HVAC filters; Water filtration; High-efficiency filter; Extended service life; Non-contact metering; Power measurement; Electrical diagnostics; Wireless sensors; Smart grid; Energy monitoring; Field-deployable; Synthetic fuel; Biofuel production; Waste-to-fuel; Biomass conversion; Renewable hydrocarbons; On-site fuel production; Circular economy; Flexible electronics; Conformal sensors; Wearable electronics; Stretchable semiconductors; Flexible displays; Conformal antennas; IoT devices; Energy harvesting; Inductive generator; Vibration harvesting; Wireless power; Battery alternative; Remote sensors; Kinetic energy; Boost converter; Low-voltage power; Solar charging; Thermoelectric power; IoT power; Battery extension; Autonomous cleaning; Well maintenance; Biofouling prevention; UV disinfection; Water well robotics; Municipal water; Irrigation systems; Photocatalysis; PFAS removal; Wastewater treatment; Pollutant degradation; Chemical-free purification; Advanced oxidation; Point-of-use purifier; Cold mix asphalt; Pothole repair; Pavement repair; Ambient-temperature paving; Rapid road repair; Airfield repair; Infrastructure maintenance; Modular decking; Rapid deployment; Temporary roadway; Disaster relief; Gap crossing; Portable flooring; Emergency access.
OBJECTIVE
The U.S. Army is seeking information from eligible small businesses across the U.S. to identify and advance commercialization pathways for a curated portfolio of high-potential Army Intellectual Property (IP) sets through the xTech|Inversion competition. This platform offers participants the opportunity to engage with the Department of War (DoW), earn prize money and submit a Phase I Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal.
The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)) is partnering with the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army (DUSA) and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology (DASA R&T) to deliver the xTech|Inversion competition. The Army recognizes that the DoW must enhance engagements with U.S. small businesses by (1) understanding the spectrum of world-class technologies being developed commercially that may benefit the DoW; (2) integrating the sector of non-traditional innovators into the DoW Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem; and (3) providing expertise and feedback to accelerate, mature, and transition technologies of interest to the DoW.
DESCRIPTION
xTech|Inversion is an open-topic competition designed to identify cutting-edge technology solutions that will drive significant advancements in military capabilities while addressing complex challenges and enhancing national security. The Army faces challenges in rapidly transitioning government-funded scientific breakthroughs into scalable, real-world solutions that address both military and commercial needs. Traditional pathways often limit access to innovative intellectual property and slow the pace of technology adoption. There is a critical need to foster stronger partnerships with non-traditional defense contractors, enabling them to leverage Army-developed intellectual property for dual-use applications. By bridging the gap between foundational research and market-driven innovation, the Army seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of technologies that address complex tactical challenges while also achieving commercial viability. Technologies that are selected from this competition to have the highest potential impact on the Army will have a structured pathway to continue developing those solutions for Army systems alongside Army customers. xTech|Inversion encourages submissions that may not be familiar with the Army problem your technology can solve, but can clearly articulate the solution's advantage, the technical viability, and commercial potential.
Full competition details including information on the available Army IP identified for this competition can be found in the Appendix A section of the xTech|Inversion competition RFI here: https://www.xtech.army.mil/competitions/.
The competition will award up to $1,000,000 in cash prizes throughout the competition to selected participants. Up to 12 finalists will receive a cash prize of $20,000 each and an opportunity to pitch their innovative technology solutions to a panel of Army and DoW subject matter experts (SMEs) in August 2026. The Army intends to select up to five (5) final winners of the competition to receive an additional cash prize of $150,000 each. Final winners may submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal worth up to $300,000.
PHASE I
This topic is accepting Phase I submissions for a cost limit of $300,000 and a maximum 6-month period of performance. Only winners of the xTech|Inversion competition are permitted to submit a Phase I proposal for this topic.
Companies will complete a feasibility study that demonstrates the firm's competitive technical advantage relative to other commercial products (if other products exist) and develop concept plans for how the company's technology solution leveraging potential Army IP identified for this competition can be applied to Army modernization priority areas. Studies should clearly detail and identify a firm's technology at both the individual component and system levels, provide supporting literature for technical feasibility, highlight existing performance data, showcase the technology's application opportunities to a broad base of customers outside the defense space, a market strategy for the commercial space, how the technology directly addresses the Army's modernization area as well as include a technology development roadmap to demonstrate scientific and engineering viability. At the end of Phase I, the company will be required to provide a concept demonstration of their technology to demonstrate a high probability that continued design and development will result in a fully realized prototype during Phase II.
PHASE II
Produce prototype solutions that will be easy to operate by a Soldier. These products will be provided to select Army units for testing and experimentation with end Users in a realistic field environment. Feedback from testing and experimentation will be provided directly to Small Businesses to iterate rapidly on recommended modifications or improvements for Army operational use. In addition, companies will work with Army partners to develop a draft technology transition and commercialization plan for DoW and commercial markets.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
Complete the maturation of the company's technology developed in Phase II to TRL 6-7 and produce prototypes to support scaling and fielding of the technology with the Army and pursue commercialization pathways leveraging potential IP license agreements from the Army.
REFERENCES
https://www.xtech.army.mil/competitions/
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