The 2025 ITS World Congress, set for Aug. 24–28 at the Georgia World Congress Center, will feature a dedicated Future Leaders Program aimed at engaging the next generation of transportation innovators.
Organized by RX and ITS America in partnership with Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), the program invites college students to explore and present solutions to regional transportation challenges through a global essay competition.
One student each from the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific will be selected to attend the event in Atlanta, where they will present their work to an international audience of industry leaders.
“This initiative gives students the opportunity to share their ideas and gain exposure to real-world applications in intelligent transportation,” said Laura Chace, president and CEO of ITS America, in a statement. “We’re investing in the future of smarter, safer and more sustainable mobility systems.”
Winners will receive complimentary admission to the conference, airfare, and exclusive networking access. Submissions must align with this year’s theme, “Deploying Today, Empowering Tomorrow,” and will be reviewed by representatives from ITS America, ERTICO, ITS Asia-Pacific and SwRI.
The program’s centerpiece is a full day of activities on Aug. 27, including expert-led roundtables, exhibit tours and resume review sessions hosted at the SwRI booth.
Students from around the world and the Atlanta area will take part in sessions designed to promote careers in intelligent transportation systems.
“This is a unique chance for students to connect with global pioneers and gain firsthand insight into the industry,” said Josh Johnson, executive director of SwRI’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Department, in a statement.
Students interested in participating must submit entries by July 1. More information is available through the Future Leaders Program portal.
