FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hydroplane Named U.S. Army xTechHumanoid Competition Winner for
Advanced Power System
Quantico, VA — September 17, 2026 — Hydroplane Ltd. was selected as a winner of the U.S. Army’s xTechHumanoid competition for its hydrogen-powered wearable power system for humanoid robotic platforms.
Hydroplane demonstrated its compact hydrogen fuel cell power unit during the competition’s live experimentation event at Marine Corps Base Quantico, showcasing the system’s ability to provide quiet, emission-free electrical power in an outdoor operational environment on September 9th 2026.
The xTechHumanoid competition, conducted by the U.S. Army xTech Program in partnership with the Joint Humanoid Community of Collaboration, sought technologies that can advance militarized humanoid capabilities. The competition evaluated both complete humanoid systems and advanced subsystems, including power technologies capable of extending independent operation.
“We are honored to serve our military with quiet, emission-free mobile power designed to support mission effectiveness and safety,” said Dr. Anita Sengupta, Hydroplane CEO and Founder. “The U.S. Army xTech Program is creating a pathway for small businesses to bring new technologies into the defense ecosystem, and we are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate our technology and contribute to the future of unmanned systems.”
Hydroplane was selected as one of the competition’s winners in the Advanced Humanoid Subsystems category. The company will receive a $30,000 cash prize and an opportunity to pursue follow-on government funding through the Army’s available acquisition pathways. More information about the competition can be found here: https://xtech.army.mil/competition/xtechhumanoid/
Hydroplane’s hydrogen fuel cell power technology is designed to provide electrical power where low acoustic and thermal signatures, zero on-site carbon emissions, and extended operation are important. The company is developing modular hydrogen power systems for applications spanning aerospace, maritime, ground transportation, robotics, and mobile power generation.
The xTechHumanoid competition began with concept submissions in 2025 and advanced selected finalists to a live experimentation event in 2026. The Army identified five winners across baseline humanoid systems and advanced humanoid subsystems on September 11th 2026.
About Hydroplane
Founded by former NASA engineer Dr. Anita Sengupta, Hydroplane Ltd. is an advanced powerplant developer focused on energy-resilient propulsion and power systems for energy and propulsion applications. The company is developing a modular hydrogen fuel cell powerplant architecture designed for aviation electric propulsion, mobile power generation, and auxiliary power applications across crewed, uncrewed, and robotic platforms.
Built by a team of space program–trained engineers, Hydroplane’s technology is engineered for scalability, low acoustic signature, and mission adaptability. Hydroplane is a winner of the U.S. Army xTechSearch 8 competition, winner of Army xTech Humanoid, and has successfully executed Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force.
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Contact:
Jen Boyer
Flying Penguin Communications
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