Background
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Advanced Research Projects Agency–Infrastructure (ARPA-I) has launched the Ideas Challenge to identify and support transformative technologies that could significantly improve transportation infrastructure and systems. A total of $1 million in prize funding will be awarded through a two-stage competition. Stage 1 will provide funding for early concept papers, and Stage 2 will invite selected participants to develop and present full project proposals.

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Funding Details

• Stage 1 – Concept Papers: Up to 15 winners will each receive $20,000 (totaling up to $300,000). Selected winners will also be invited to a DOT Ideas Challenge Workshop in Fall 2025.
• Stage 2 – Full Proposals: Stage 1 winners may advance to submit detailed project proposals. Up to 10 finalists will be chosen to present in early 2026, with up to five winners sharing a total of $700,000.‍
• Total Available Funding: Up to $1,000,000 across both stages.
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Eligible Applicants
The competition is open to a wide range of participants, including:

• Individuals, teams, and organizations with innovative ideas in transportation research and technology.
• Academic institutions, research organizations, private companies, and nonprofits.
• Multidisciplinary collaborations are encouraged to broaden the impact and feasibility of proposed solutions.

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Important Dates

• Stage 1 Concept Papers Due: September 17, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET.
• Ideas Challenge Workshop: Fall 2025 (date to be announced).‍
• Stage 2 Final Presentations: Early 2026, with winners announced following the final competition.

If you have questions regarding this program, please contact Morgan Cox ([email protected]).

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