ITS World Congress 2025: getting young people interested in ITS

Future Leaders Program will pay for three students to attend event in Atlanta
By Adam Hill June 2, 2025 Read time: 2 mins
'Investing in the next generation of transportation technology leaders' (© Andreaobzerova | Dreamstime.com)

The winners of the ITS World Congress 2025 Future Leaders Program global essay competition will be announced on 1 July, ahead of the event, which takes place in Atlanta, US, on 24-28 August.

Three students - one each from Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas - will receive a paid trip to present their research at the event.

The entries will address transportation challenges within students' regions that align with the conference theme 'Deploying Today, Empowering Tomorrow'.

A panel of judges from ITS Asia-Pacific, ITS America, Ertico - ITS Europe and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will select regional finalists before choosing three global winners.

ITS World Congress 2025 is organised in partnership by RX and ITS America; SwRI sponsors the Future Leaders Program.

"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," said Laura Chace, president and CEO of ITS America. 

“The contributions from new talent will help shape how we build safer, greener, smarter transportation systems."

 Josh Johnson, executive director of SwRI's ITS department, says: "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."

There will be a dedicated day of programming on Wednesday 27 August, including expert roundtable discussions, guided tours of exhibits and demonstrations, and resume reviews at the SwRI booth. 

Students from around the world and from local Atlanta-area student groups will participate in sessions designed to encourage careers in transportation technology.

"ITS World Congress creates life-changing opportunities for students to launch their careers in transportation technology," said Jaime McAuley, event director for ITS America Events at RX Global. 

"Winners receive conference admission, round-trip airfare, and access to exclusive networking events where they can connect with potential employers and mentors."

Submission deadline is 2 June, 2025.

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