A DIFFERENT KIND OF COMPETITION


INNOVATOR’S CORNER


Innovator’s Corner at the 2019 AUSA Global Force Symposium and Exposition in the Von Braun Center at Huntsville, Alabama.


government for payment, with no requirements attached to their prize monies.


UNDERSTANDING THE COMPETITORS At the conclusion of xTechSearch 1.0—while 2.0 was still under- way—the xTechSearch staff surveyed 163 of the participants from xTechSearch 1.0 and 2.0 who had taken part in at least Phase II (technology pitches) of the competition. One survey question was:


“What did your company feel was the most valuable part of xTech- Search?” Te answers broke down into four common themes:


• Exposure. The competitors welcomed the opportunity to pres- ent their technologies to a large audience of potential clients and partners, as well as the opportunity to network and make contacts for collaboration and potential partnerships.


• Feedback. The competitors were encouraged by rapid, candid feedback and assessment of their technologies, and suggested steps forward from Army scientists, engineers, program manag- ers and cross-functional teams, along with opportunities to learn what the Army’s modernization needs were and how to better work with the Army.


• Funding. While the size of the xTechSearch prizes was rela- tively small, it allowed many of the small companies to continue developing their new technologies.


• Credibility. Formal Army recognition of the competitors’ innovative technologies provided credibility and prestige, particularly in the DOD and Army business spaces, and made a noticeable difference in business development when talking with potential customers outside of the competition.


12 Army AL&T Magazine Fall 2019


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