Aug. 18 (UPI) — The U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday launched its new million-dollar idea challenge targeted at the future of American transportation and infrastructure initiatives that will lower costs and improve safety.
The infrastructure unit in DOT’s version of its federal Advanced Research Projects Agency unveiled its new open-call challenge to U.S. innovators in both public and private sectors as an opportunity to “transform” the future of American transportation.
“Our new Ideas Challenge will continue that proud tradition and support the development of new 21st century technologies to launch us forward,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement.
Federal transportation officials characterized it as a “showcase” that will highlight “innovative concepts” that ultimately will “improve safety, lower costs and enhance America’s infrastructure.”
Duffy said the United States “invented transportation innovation,” noting everything from Wilbur and Orville Wright’s historic first manned flight to the U.S. Apollo space missions.
According to DOT officials, the total prize purse for all Stage 1 and 2 cash prizes awarded will