Army xTech Competitions

xTech|Adaptive Strike

Supports drone and counter-drone innovation through prizes and demonstration pathways.

xTech|Adaptive Strike is a three-phase U.S. Army prize competition organized by Army FUZE PIT that targets technologies in four areas: extended reconnaissance range and endurance, cost-effective drones and loitering munitions, mobile power generation for small unmanned systems, and counter-drone defense systems for tactical units. The total prize pool is up to $1,500,000. In Phase 1, up to 20 semifinalists each receive $25,000; submissions for Phase 1 closed March 18, 2026. In Phase 2, up to 10 finalists each receive $50,000 and participate in a live soldier exercise scheduled for June 6–19, 2026. In Phase 3, up to 5 winners each receive $100,000 and demonstrate their technology in a final soldier exercise running October 29 – November 28, 2026, with winners announced November 30, 2026.

Eligibility is open to U.S.-based for-profit companies and non-profit organizations with a primary U.S. business location. Federal entities and organizations with competing government contracts for substantially similar work are not eligible. Companies advancing to Phase 2 or Phase 3 must hold a valid CAGE code. The competition is technology-demonstration focused: applicants submit a written proposal in Phase 1, and advancing teams demonstrate hardware performance against real soldiers and mission scenarios in Phase 2 and Phase 3 exercises.

Because Phase 1 submissions have already closed for the FY26 cycle, new entrants cannot enter this specific competition. However, the xTech|Adaptive Strike competition is structured as part of the broader Army xTech competition portfolio, which runs multiple themed competitions each year and provides a pathway for prize-winning technologies to gain recognition and potential Army acquisition interest through follow-on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts or direct program office engagement.