Soldier

Who We Are

Army FUZE is the U.S. Army’s flagship innovation engine, where bold ideas meet battlefield relevance. We exist to ignite transformative change across the Army enterprise by accelerating the discovery, development, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies. Our name reflects our purpose: to spark innovation that powers readiness, resilience, and operational dominance.

Vision

To redefine how innovation moves from idea to impact, by forging partnerships, synchronizing efforts, and unlocking the realm of the possible to ensure warfighter readiness.

Mission

To accelerate the transition of innovative capabilities to the field by connecting programs, scaling impact, and reshaping acquisition through a unified, Soldier-centric approach.

The Unified Portfolio

Army FUZE brings together a powerful suite of innovation programs under a unified portfolio – each designed to accelerate the discovery, development, and deployment of transformative capabilities. By integrating these efforts, FUZE ensures that promising technologies don’t just emerge, they evolve, scale, and transition into the hands of the warfighter.

Surfaces emerging solutions through open competitions and direct engagement with non-traditional innovators. 
xTech
Provides early-stage funding and structured development pathways for small businesses with Army-aligned technologies. 
SBIR|STTR
Ensures scalable, cost-effective production of mature technologies that meet Army sustainment and readiness needs.
Bridges the transition gap – validating prototypes and advancing them toward operational use.
Tech Maturation Initiative

By unifying these programs under one strategic umbrella, Army FUZE creates a seamless innovation pipeline – from ideation to integration. This portfolio approach ensures: 

Strategic Alignment with Army modernization priorities
Efficient Resource Allocation across the innovation lifecycle
Accelerated Transition into Programs of Record and operational environments
Reduced Risk through early manufacturability and sustainment planning

Our Partners

Army FUZE thrives through deep partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to accelerating innovation for the warfighter. These mission partners bring unique capabilities, perspectives, and resources that amplify our impact across the Army and beyond.

01

Soldiers and
Operational End Users 

We incorporate direct Soldier feedback through Transformation in Contact (TiC) to ensure innovations reflect field realities. Their insights shape solution design and validate mission relevance from day one.

02

Industry Leaders and
Non-Traditional Startups 

From defense primes to venture-backed startups, we engage companies across maturity levels, offering funding, access, and transition pathways to convert promising technologies into deployable military capabilities.

03

Investors and Innovation Capital Networks

Through partnerships with venture firms, accelerators, and dual-use capital networks, we help shape co-investment opportunities and scale solutions beyond government markets, bridging defense relevance with commercial viability.

04

Army Commands &
Program Offices

We coordinate closely with Program Managers (PMs), Program Executive Offices (PEOs), and Army leadership to align innovation efforts with acquisition priorities, accelerating transition and maximizing operational impact.

05

DOW
Partners

Army FUZE collaborates with entities across the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) and the broader DOW innovation ecosystem to enable cross-service integration, shared technology development, and stronger joint outcomes.

06

Policy & Legislative
Stakeholders

We engage regularly with leaders across Congress, DOW policy offices, and the Executive Branch to inform strategy, support industrial resilience, and shape enabling legislation that strengthens the innovation pipeline.

07

Academic Institutions
and Research Centers

We partner with universities, national labs, and research institutions to tap into early-stage discovery, dual-use breakthroughs, and long-horizon research aligned with future operational concepts.

08

Manufacturing
Partners 

We work with defense industrial base suppliers, advanced manufacturing firms, and transition-focused integrators to scale prototypes into production-ready solutions. These partners ensure innovations are manufacturable, cost-effective, and ready for fielding.

09

Research Labs and
S&T Professionals

Army FUZE engages with researchers, labs, and science & technology professionals across the Army enterprise to inform technical strategy, validate feasibility, and guide long-term innovation planning. Their expertise ensures our programs are grounded in rigorous research and aligned with future capability needs.

Guiding Innovation with Purpose And Precision

Our Leadership

Army FUZE is led by a focused team of senior leaders and program experts who drive innovation across the enterprise. Together, they ensure that every investment, partnership, and transition effort is aligned with Army modernization priorities and operational needs.

Mr. Chris Manning
Mr. Chris Manning

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research and Technology)

Dr. Matthew Willis
Dr. Matthew Willis

Director, FUZE

LTC Xkoshan Arnold

Deputy Director, FUZE

Jess Stillman
Ms. Jessica Stillman

Program Lead, Army xTech

Zeke Topolosky
Mr. Zeke Topolosky

Program Lead, Army SBIR|STTR

Dr. Timothy White
Dr. Timothy White

Program Lead, Army ManTech

Matthew Simone
Mr. Matthew Simone

Program Lead, Army TMI

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