Crucible Xtractor 3.0 — Program Overview
Your fastest path from prototype to the Fleet.
XTRACTOR advances defense technologies from TRL 6–8 through DoD experimentation and Navy transition pathways — turning innovation into operational impact.
What is Xtractor
From innovation to operational impact.
XTRACTOR is a structured accelerator that moves high-potential companies through TRL 6–8 development, matches them with mission-aligned subject-matter experts, and places them inside real DoD test events and operator field exercises.
Every company enters against a validated Navy need — sourced directly from ANTX, JIFX, and Program Offices — then gets packaged for transition into programs of record. Not another pilot purgatory.
Crucible Ecosystem
Part of a larger mission.
Operated by the Inland Empire TechBridge
Why Apply
Real demand. Real support.
A real path to contract.
Real demand, not guesswork
You're matched to validated Navy needs sourced directly from ANTX, JIFX, and Program Offices.
Experts in your corner
A dedicated program lead and SMEs help you navigate the Navy — so you can focus on building.
A clear path to contract
Built to move you toward NAVY Launch, STP, Catapult, and Phase III — from prototype to program of record.
How It Works
Six steps from demand signal to transition.
Identify the Need
Source validated technology demand signals from programs such as ANTX, JIFX, STP, Catapult, and Program Offices.
Scout Companies
Identify, engage, and onboard companies with technologies aligned to defense and operational needs.
Provide Expertise
Assign dedicated program leads, SMEs, and support staff to overcome technical and transition challenges.
Accelerate Development
Support companies through Crucible, SBIR, and Tech Bridge opportunities to maintain momentum and advance readiness.
Test and Advance
Connect companies to field testing, integration opportunities, and end users to advance TRL.
Transition
Move successful companies into transition programs such as NAVY Launch, STP, Catapult, and Phase III opportunities.
What You Get
Everything a company needs to reach the Fleet.
A Validated Customer
Enter with a real, funded Navy need already identified — your technology starts with demand, not a cold pitch.
A Dedicated Team
Your assigned program lead, SMEs, and support staff clear technical and transition roadblocks with you.
Funding Momentum
Plug into Crucible, SBIR, and Tech Bridge opportunities to keep development funded and moving.
Time With End Users
Field testing and integration events put your system in Sailors' hands — feedback you can't buy.
TRL 6–8 Acceleration
Structured maturation support advances your readiness level — the credential program offices look for.
A Transition On-Ramp
Graduate into NAVY Launch, STP, Catapult, and Phase III opportunities — from prototype to program of record.
Partner Ecosystem
Push → Xtractor → Pull.
Push
- Crucible (IE TechBridge)
- xTech (Army)
- AFWERX / Space Force / DOE
- YC, Techstars, H4D
- DARPA
- QRCO
- Black Dart
XTRACTOR
- SME matching
- Advising
- Test planning + execution
- Operator feedback loop
- Transition packaging
Pull
- JIFX
- ANTX
- Navy SBIR
- DIU / TRMC
- Fleet
- Grey Flag
- ONR Global
- Dahlgren
- Afterburner
- Game of Drones
Version 3.0
Built for scale. Built for impact.
All domains
No tech focus restriction
Year-round
No cohort time limits
Anywhere
No geographic limits
Signature Feature
Collider Day at JIFX
A dedicated on-range day reserved for Xtractor companies to test with operators. Structured collaboration across teams, program offices, and end users — with DV engagement tying outcomes into the broader Crucible ecosystem.
Application
Applications are open.
Apply to get matched with a validated Navy need and start the transition process.
Quarterly
TRL 6–8
All domains