The U.S. Department of Transportation Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure (ARPA-I) recently launched a new ideas challenge for innovators across the public and private sectors to help transform the future of transportation.
“From the Wright Brothers to the Apollo missions, America invented transportation innovation,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. “Our new ideas challenge will continue that proud tradition and support the development of new 21st century technologies to launch us forward.”
The challenge is open to individuals to showcase innovative concepts that will improve safety, lower costs, and enhance infrastructure. It will be held in two stages.
During stage one, applicants must submit a plan by Sept. 17 that outlines a solution that could solve a critical transportation infrastructure challenge. ARPA-I will invite the winners to the Ideas Challenge Workshop to present their concept to USDOT leadership and stakeholders.
Winning teams from Stage 1 will be invited to submit a detailed proposal for stage two, and up to 10 finalists will be chosen to present their project proposal to a panel of judges and audience members from the public and private sector at the ARPA-I Ideas Challenge Final in early 2026.
A maximum of $1 million will be awarded in prizes awarded during both stages.