Velocity Emerging Defense Tech 5X5 Pitch Competition Offers Cash Prizes

STERLING HEIGHTS – Eighty years after Detroit became the Arsenal of Democracy, the Pentagon is once again turning to Detroit, which helped win World War II.

Velocity, an MEDC SmartZone located in the Sterling Heighta, is hosting the Velocity Emerging Defense Tech 5X5 Pitch Competition during the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, formerly the Suburban Showplace Collection Aug. 11-13.

Five innovative defense and dual-use technology companies will be selected to pitch their businesses live before a distinguished panel of investors and industry experts for the opportunity to win more than $30,000 in unrestricted cash prizes, plus a $6,000 legal services voucher.

Judges will evaluate each company based on innovation, market opportunity, commercial viability, and overall impact, with prizes awarded to the top three teams.

Applications for the competition opened July 14 and close August 3. Eligible startups are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to gain exposure to defense industry leaders, investors, strategic partners, and potential customers while competing for funding to accelerate their growth.

Companies interested in applying can visit https://ndia-mich.org/event/gvsets

The symposium takes place in the global epicenter of mobility, just miles from the U.S. Army’s Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) and the DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center in Warren. Together, these organizations manage and sustain approximately 60% of the Army’s equipment. If a Soldier drives it, shoots it, or wears it, it is sustained from here.

That single fact makes Southeast Michigan vital for military ground vehicle innovation. This year’s symposium reflects a changing defense marketplace. Alongside Army leadership, engineers, prime contractors, and international partners, venture capital firms will participate for the first time, underscoring the growing convergence of commercial technology, private investment, and national security.

Watch this video interview to learn more.