Army open-topic prize: concept paper, then SBIR — up to $1M in cash prizes
S. small businesses. You pitch a novel technology (new or a new use of an old one), not a solution to a single Army program of record. Concept papers are due 19 Oct 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET. Up to 50 semifinalists get $5,000; later rounds add $20,000 and a $200K/$100K/$50K finish, plus a path to a Phase I Army SBIR or STTR up to $300,000.
Official notice(opens in a new tab)Facts
- Army
- xTech Search 10
- Up to $1M in prizes; Phase I SBIR/STTR path up to $300K
- Due Oct 19, 5:00 PM ET
- Concept Paper
What they’re asking for
Open topic: any valid Army need except USAMRDC-only medical portfolios. Extra weight on Army PIT focus areas listed on the page (all-arms maneuver, C2/counter-C2, layered protection, adaptive sustainment, cross-domain fires). Eligibility: for-profit U.S. small business, SBA ownership/size rules, ≤500 employees, one submission per entity, not substantially the same as a pending/funded federal proposal.
How to respond
A concept white paper on the xTech Search 10 page by 19 Oct 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET. Later: virtual pitch (Jan 2027) and a finals demo around eMerge Americas (Mar 2027) if selected.
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