The future of transportation is being shaped right now by advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, digital infrastructure, and data-driven decision making. This September, transportation leaders, technology innovators, public agencies, and industry visionaries will come together in Washington, D.C. to explore what comes next at the ITS America Innovation Forum.

Hosted by ITS America on September 30, 2026, with a networking reception on September 29, the Innovation Forum will bring together some of the most forward-thinking voices from government, technology, research, and infrastructure to discuss emerging technologies and practical pathways to deployment. The event will take place at K&L Gates LLP in Washington, D.C.

Exploring the Technologies Shaping Transportation’s Future

The forum opens with keynote remarks from federal leadership, followed by a compelling discussion on the convergence of AI, quantum computing, robotics, and data. Sinan Yordem, Senior Vice President and Head of North America Advisory for the Energy and Infrastructure Business Unit, will explore how these transformative technologies are creating new opportunities for intelligent transportation systems.

Attendees will then hear from Kurtis McBride, CEO of Miovision, who will examine the concept of the “Software-Defined Intersection” and how digital infrastructure can transform safety, operations, and mobility innovation.

The morning continues with Chris Armstrong, Chief Product Officer at Cavnue, discussing how transportation agencies can move beyond isolated deployments toward scalable, tiered smart infrastructure and digital corridor strategies that provide continuous roadway awareness across networks.

Tackling Transportation’s Toughest Challenges

A unique feature of this year’s forum is the session, “Desperately Seeking Solutions: Unsolved Challenges,” where public sector leaders will present critical transportation issues that remain unresolved and invite the innovation community to help chart a path forward. Public agencies will share real-world priorities that could benefit from emerging technology solutions alongside other key public agencies.

These conversations are designed to connect transportation operators with innovators who can help turn breakthrough ideas into measurable improvements for safety, mobility, and efficiency.

Digital Twins, Quantum Cities, and the Next Transportation Revolution

The afternoon agenda continues with a series of technology-focused discussions that look well beyond today’s transportation landscape.

Leif Johnson of Bentley will explore how digital twins can help agencies anticipate challenges earlier, improve project delivery, and create more resilient transportation systems through connected data and predictive insights.

Attendees will also hear from Mina Sartipi, Founding Director of the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress and Executive Director of the UT Chattanooga Research Institute, who will showcase the groundbreaking Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative and examine the implications of quantum technologies for transportation and infrastructure.

A keynote from Microsoft will then explore how artificial intelligence is accelerating the next transportation revolution and reshaping the way the industry plans, operates, and innovates.

Additional technology perspectives from Arcadis and emerging transportation startups will provide attendees with an inside look at innovations currently being developed and deployed across the industry.

From Big Ideas to Real-World Results

The forum concludes with two thought-provoking discussions focused on implementation and impact.

“Innovation Wanted. Results Required.” brings together transportation leaders including Carlos Braceras, Executive Director at Utah DOT, Marc Williams, Executive Director of Texas DOT, and Angela Castro, Deputy Chief Executive Officer with RTC Southern Nevada to discuss the innovations they believe will have the greatest impact on transportation’s future and where agencies are directing their attention and investments. This distinguished panel will be moderated by Joanna M. Pinkerton of HNTB.

The final panel, “Can We Buy That Yet?”, will tackle one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: procurement. Panelists including Shailen Bhatt, Chief Operating Officer at Atkins Realis, Greer Johnson Gillis, Senior Vice President/Chief Infrastructure & Development Officer with Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Jason Conley, Executive Director at OmniAir will discuss how agencies can create more agile approaches to acquiring rapidly evolving technologies while maintaining accountability and measurable results. The session will be moderated by Tim Drake with Miovision.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Innovation Forum would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. ITS America proudly recognizes:

Premier Sponsors

• Bentley
• HNTB
• Cavnue
• Arcadis
• Miovision

These organizations are helping advance the conversations and collaborations needed to build a safer, smarter, and more connected transportation future.

Register Today

Whether you are a transportation agency executive, technology developer, infrastructure owner/operator, policymaker, researcher, or mobility innovator, the ITS America Innovation Forum offers a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, discover emerging technologies, and explore practical solutions for tomorrow’s transportation challenges. The program combines visionary thinking with real-world deployment discussions, making it a must-attend event for anyone shaping the future of transportation.

Space is limited. Register today and help us drive transportation’s next era of innovation.

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