SAN ANTONIO – Texas mobility leaders are joining forces to modernize and integrate advanced technologies into today’s transportation system to help improve safety and decrease congestion. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), University of Texas at Austin Center for Transportation Research (UT CTR), VIA Metropolitan Transit, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), Port San Antonio (Port SA), and Bexar County are hosting the 2024 Texas Innovation Invitational from July 29-31 in San Antonio. Leaders are gathering to discuss the latest in transportation technology and present novel ideas for tackling safety, traffic operations, and connectivity challenges.
The Invitational kicks off with a Tech Showcase, an interactive experience with over 30 exhibitors representing a variety of transportation technologies in both the public and private sectors. Attendees can climb into the cab of an autonomous truck, take an electric bike for a spin, discover creative data visualizations, see live video from a drone, and even take flight in an aerospace simulator.
In partnership with Port SA and Greater SATX, middle and high school STEM organizations are welcomed into the Tech Showcase to learn more about the possibilities of transportation.
“This event is a window into the incredible world of transportation technology and highlights the San Antonio region’s investment in a talented and skilled workforce,” said Jim Perschbach, Chief Executive Officer of Port SA. “These technologies are here today and we are finding ways to safely integrate them into the Texas transportation system.”
On day two, the Invitational focuses on the link between transportation and the economy. Notable speakers include Chairman Robert Nichols of the Texas Senate Transportation Committee, Texas Senator Kelly Hancock, Jennifer Harris of the US Department of Commerce, San Antonio Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia, and former US Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros.
“San Antonio is honored to host the Texas Innovation Invitational. Collaboration at the local, state, and federal levels is key to developing and implementing innovative solutions,” Councilwoman Rocha Garcia said. “This event is timely as San Antonio advances its Vision Zero SA program and capitalizes on federal grant opportunities to protect our pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.”
The Invitational culminates in public sector pitches where regional teams have the opportunity to present an innovative solution to address a major transportation challenge. Teams will receive feedback from a panel of expert judges including Darran Anderson (TxDOT’s Director of Strategy and Innovation), Caroline Mays (TxDOT’s Director of Planning and Modal Programs), Kirk Steudle (former Director of Michigan Department of Transportation), David Zipper (Senior Fellow at MIT Mobility Initiative), and Lora Byala (Founder & CEO of Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning).
“The pitch presentations apply an entrepreneurial approach to innovation,” said Darran Anderson of TxDOT. “The process is designed to assist public agencies with defining a challenge, aligning local-state-federal goals, and crafting a compelling story that can attract federal funding.”
The judges will announce up to three winners on July 31 who will receive the Smart Transportation & Advanced Roadways (STAR) Award. Eligible projects will be submitted to TxDOT for consideration for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) incentive program funds up to $125,000. FHWA will announce one recipient in fall 2024.
Built on collaboration spirit, this event aims at enabling Texas to tackle its transportation challenges with bold solutions.
