The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is launching the xTechSearch 9 SBIR Finalist Open Topic Competition to identify innovative technologies with significant commercial potential that can enhance Army capabilities. This competition aims to select up to 24 winners who will be eligible to submit a Phase I proposal for an SBIR award of up to $250,000, focusing on technologies that can improve operational effectiveness and reduce lifecycle costs. The competition encourages submissions across various technology domains, including sensors, AI/ML, energy resiliency, and contested logistics, while excluding medical-related technologies. Interested parties must submit a white paper by June 4, 2025, to be eligible for the competition, with the application period opening on October 6, 2025, and closing on October 24, 2025. For more information, visit the official xTechSearch competition site at https://www.xtech.army.mil/competitions/.