Cultivating Tomorrow’s Transport Pioneers at ITS World Congress 2025
This August, Atlanta is poised to become the heartbeat of global transportation innovation as the ITS World Congress returns from 24 to 28 August 2025. At its centrepiece: the revitalised and globally inclusive Future Leaders Program, now backed by the renowned Southwest Research Institute (SwRI).
With an extended application deadline of 1 July, the race is on for students across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific to take centre stage at the world’s largest Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) conference.
The program is more than just an academic opportunity; it’s a passport to a future in mobility innovation. Run in partnership by RX and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), the initiative invites university students to develop and present pioneering solutions to regional transportation challenges. Those who make the cut will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Atlanta to present their work to an elite gathering of engineers, policymakers, technologists, and business leaders.
Opening Doors to a High-Tech Future
The spotlight on youth innovation is part of a wider mission to transform how societies move, connect, and thrive. SwRI’s Executive Director of Intelligent Transportation Systems, Josh Johnson, made the value proposition crystal clear: “The Future Leaders Program connects students directly with industry pioneers. By presenting at ITS World Congress, students gain real-world experience sharing their research with transportation leaders from around the world.”
This is not just a seat at the table – it’s a chance to shape the agenda.
Throughout the five-day congress, finalists will participate in curated experiences, including technical training sessions, resume reviews at the SwRI booth, and roundtable conversations with global ITS innovators. One of the standout features of the program is a full day of student-focused programming on 27 August, packed with expert-led discussions, behind-the-scenes exhibit tours, and mentoring opportunities.
A Truly Global Talent Call
The Future Leaders competition casts its net wide. University students from all corners of the globe are encouraged to submit essays addressing transport issues specific to their home regions. The entries must resonate with the conference’s forward-looking theme: “Deploying Today, Empowering Tomorrow.”
A judging panel comprising representatives from ITS America, ERTICO (ITS Europe), ITS Asia-Pacific, and SwRI will first select regional standouts. From there, three global winners – one from each continent – will be chosen to present their research in Atlanta.
As Laura Chace, President and CEO of ITS America, aptly put it: “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.”
This initiative comes at a time when the transportation industry is on the cusp of seismic shifts – from connected and autonomous vehicles to real-time data exchanges and smart city integrations. Students will not only explore these breakthroughs; they’ll contribute to their advancement.
A Hub of Opportunity in Atlanta
For the selected students, the perks go far beyond the chance to present research. Winners will receive:
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Full access to the ITS World Congress conference
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Round-trip flights to Atlanta
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Paid accommodation
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Invitations to exclusive networking events
They’ll also rub shoulders with top-tier transport professionals, attend immersive technology demonstrations, and receive tailored advice on launching their careers in the ITS sector. For many, this could be the catalyst for a lifelong journey in sustainable mobility.
Jaime McAuley, Event Director for ITS America Events at RX Global, underscored the impact: “ITS World Congress creates life-changing opportunities for students to launch their careers in transportation technology. Winners receive conference admission, round-trip airfare, and access to exclusive networking events where they can connect with potential employers and mentors.”
Backed by Years of Innovation
Southwest Research Institute is no newcomer to the ITS space. With a 28-year track record of developing intelligent transportation technologies, SwRI brings weight and credibility to the Future Leaders Program. The organisation boasts over 3,200 employees and an annual R&D spend of $915 million, with a portfolio spanning everything from automated vehicle testing to integrated corridor management and advanced data exchanges.
The partnership with ITS America reflects a shared vision: a world where smart, data-driven transport systems improve lives. The Future Leaders Program is a natural extension of that mission, ensuring the next wave of mobility thinkers are equipped to pick up the baton.
More Than Just a Conference
ITS World Congress 2025 promises more than just academic prestige. It’s a dynamic, real-world testing ground for emerging ideas and breakthrough technologies. Delegates can expect:
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Live tech demos from leading ITS developers
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Policy roundtables and government briefings
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Start-up showcases and investor meetups
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Infrastructure resilience and climate change sessions
This blend of technical depth, commercial insight, and global collaboration makes it a must-attend event for anyone shaping the future of transport.
Students, academics, and early-career professionals are urged not to miss the submission deadline: 1 July 2025.
To apply, visit: itsamericaevents.com/world-congress/en-us/experiences/future-leaders-program.html
Inspiring the Next Generation of Smart Mobility Champions
The Future Leaders Program at ITS World Congress 2025 is more than a contest – it’s a stepping stone into a future of endless possibilities. By bringing students face to face with the movers and shakers of intelligent mobility, the initiative fosters ambition, empowers innovation, and nurtures talent from every corner of the globe.
It’s where careers are launched, minds are opened, and transport gets a much-needed injection of youthful energy.
