Enterprise Innovation in Motion: xTechIgnite and Army PEOs Accelerate Small Business Solutions
xTechIgnite, launched in coordination with six Army PEOs, attracted over 700 proposals from small businesses nationwide. The competition fast-tracked 24 winning technologies into Army programs, demonstrating how enterprise-level collaboration can rapidly close capability gaps and deliver mission-ready solutions.
09/23/2025
Disruptive Technology Dual-Use Solutions Modernization Streamlined Acquisition Technology Transition xTech
Key Takeaways
- 700+ proposals submitted, 24 winners, 6 PEOs involved
- Focus on AI, autonomy, and infrastructure
- Army SBIR pathways activated for rapid transition
- Demonstrates enterprise-level innovation coordination
Spotlight: Lethality in Focus – A New Era of Soldier-Centered Innovation
In early 2025, the U.S. Army xTech Program launched xTechIgnite, a competition designed to source and accelerate small business technologies aligned with Army modernization priorities. xTechIgnite debuted at the Army Demand Signal Event in February and culminated in virtual pitch sessions held throughout June. With over 700 submissions and 24 winners selected, xTechIgnite showcased the Army’s commitment to engaging non-traditional innovators and streamlining transition pathways. Each winning solution addressed critical areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, and operational infrastructure, positioning the technology for rapid integration into Army programs.
Innovation in Action
xTechIgnite’s success stemmed from its enterprise-level coordination with six Army acquisition organizations – including:
- Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition
- Command, Control, Communications & Network
- Combat Support & Combat Service Support
- Enterprise
- Ground Combat Systems
- Intelligence Electronic Warfare & Sensors
This ensured that selected technologies were both innovative and immediately relevant to ongoing modernization efforts. The competition welcomed both early-stage concepts and prototype-ready solutions, creating a broad funnel for innovation. Finalists collaborated directly with acquisition teams, and winners had the opportunity to submit Army Small Business Innovation Research proposals, either Phase I or Direct to Phase II, enabling swift movement from concept to capability. xTechIgnite awarded a total of $400,000 in cash prizes and positioned companies for up to $27 million in potential Army SBIR contract awards, creating a streamlined process that helped reduce barriers for small businesses and accelerated the Army’s access to dual-use technologies with commercial viability.
Strategic Impact
xTechIgnite is a prime example of how Army FUZE drives enterprise-level innovation by aligning stakeholders, streamlining processes, and expanding the Army’s innovation base. By engaging hundreds of small businesses and coordinating across multiple PEOs, the competition delivered a scalable model for sourcing and transitioning technologies. It also reinforced the Army’s commitment to closing capability gaps quickly and maintaining a technological edge through agile acquisition and development strategies.