Army xTech competition invites pitches for COVID-19 ventilators

Bruce Jette, the US Army Acquisition Executive, has directed the Army Expeditionary Technology Search (xTechSearch) program team to host a unique technology competition to seek out rapid ventilator production solutions to support the Army’s COVID-19 response.

The xTech COVID-19 Ventilator Challenge is seeking ideas from America’s innovation community for a low-cost, emergency ventilator that requires minimal components and is designed for simplified mass production. The technology solution must provide a rapid response breathing apparatus capable of short-term, rugged field operation.

The Challenge is open to any American business, regardless of size. The first virtual pitch panels were scheduled to begin on April 13, 2020. The competition does not currently have a submission deadline.

The prize competition will evaluate technology proposals immediately upon submission, and will award novel solutions with a prize of $5,000 to present a virtual pitch of the technology concept to the Army xTech COVID-19 panel of judges. Cash prizes of $100,000 will be awarded to solutions accepted by the panel to develop a concept prototype. Select technologies may receive follow-on contracts for additional production and deployment.

Applicants should be prepared to deliver a virtual pitch of their concepts within one week after submission. Companies can submit ideas at any time, and they will be reviewed upon receipt.

To learn more about the Challenge and to register, go to https://www.xtechsearch.army.mil/