Future Leaders to Take the Spotlight at ITS World Congress 2025
As the intelligent transport sector continues its meteoric rise, it’s not just about what’s driving progress now—but who’s steering the wheel tomorrow. In a bold move to empower the upcoming wave of mobility innovators, the ITS World Congress 2025 is joining forces with Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to deliver its flagship Future Leaders Program.
Slated for 24-28 August at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, the event will spotlight the brightest student thinkers in transportation from across the globe. Organised collaboratively by RX and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), the programme is more than just a stage—it’s a launchpad for careers in intelligent mobility.
What the Programme Entails
The Future Leaders Program will give university students direct exposure to:
- Educational and training sessions led by ITS experts
- Opportunities to network with technology providers, exhibitors, and global ITS professionals
- Mentorship from industry leaders
Participants will engage in expert roundtables, explore live demos, and receive personalised feedback, including resume reviews hosted at the SwRI booth. According to Josh Johnson, Executive Director of SwRI’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Department: “By presenting at ITS World Congress, students gain real-world experience sharing their research with transportation leaders from around the world.”
Global Essay Competition
At the heart of the initiative lies a fiercely competitive global essay challenge. Students from Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas are invited to submit essays addressing local transportation challenges in line with the conference theme: “Deploying Today, Empowering Tomorrow.”
Three winners—one from each region—will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the event. That includes:
- Round-trip airfare
- Full access to ITS World Congress
- Invitations to exclusive networking events with sponsors and employers
Laura Chace, President and CEO of ITS America, emphasised the importance of fresh talent in the sector: “We are investing in the next generation of transportation technology leaders by creating opportunities for students to showcase their innovative solutions on a global stage. The contributions from new talent will help shape how we build safer, greener, smarter transportation systems.”
Judging the Future
The essays will be reviewed by an elite panel drawn from ITS Asia-Pacific, ITS America, ERTICO (Europe), and SwRI. They’ll assess the submissions not just on creativity, but practical application and alignment with the event’s theme.
Finalists will first be selected at the regional level, followed by the crowning of the top three students globally. Winners will be announced on 1 July 2025, just weeks ahead of the Congress.
Putting Students in the Spotlight
On Wednesday, 27 August, the programme dedicates a full day to its rising stars. Activities include:
- Guided tours of exhibits and on-site demos
- Direct access to transportation technologists and global employers
- Networking events tailored to help students land their first industry roles
Jaime McAuley, Event Director for ITS America Events at RX Global, explained the programme’s impact: “ITS World Congress creates life-changing opportunities for students to launch their careers in transportation technology.”
Beyond the three essay winners, local student groups from Atlanta and broader student delegations will also participate. It’s a convergence of academic energy and industry insight.
Why SwRI
SwRI brings more than 28 years of industry-leading work in intelligent transportation systems to the table. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, this non-profit research organisation employs over 3,200 staff and manages an annual research volume of $915 million.
Their expertise spans:
- Advanced transportation management
- Integrated corridor systems
- Vehicle automation and connectivity
- Data exchange platforms for smart mobility
Josh Johnson added: “The Future Leaders Program connects students directly with industry pioneers.” It’s a point that underlines SwRI’s commitment to not only innovating within the ITS sector, but actively mentoring those who will shape its future.
Building a Smarter, More Inclusive Future
ITS America continues to be a driving force in advancing intelligent transport solutions that are not only efficient, but equitable. With a vision to create a “better future transformed by intelligent mobility,” the organisation champions safety, sustainability, and accessibility.
Meanwhile, RX Global, the co-organiser, brings its own set of powerful tools to the collaboration. With 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors, RX combines physical experience with digital know-how. It’s a company that doesn’t just host events, but builds thriving professional ecosystems.
Get Involved
Students who want to join the programme or submit an entry to the essay competition can find all the details at: ITS America Future Leaders Program. The deadline for submissions is 2 June 2025.
In just a few months, the global ITS community will gather in Atlanta. And thanks to this forward-thinking initiative, the next generation will be right there with them, not in the background—but at the forefront.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
It’s not often that students find themselves addressing international audiences, rubbing shoulders with mobility pioneers, and shaping future policy all before graduation. But at the ITS World Congress, that’s exactly what’s on offer.
By investing in tomorrow’s leaders today, the sector isn’t just preparing for change. It’s ensuring that innovation doesn’t just evolve—it accelerates.
