2025 Texas Innovation Invitational
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2025 Texas Innovation Invitational

2025 Innovation Invitational, June 16-18, 2o25, Fort Worth, TX

Connecting Texas to the Future of Transportation

Industry leaders, tech pioneers, and policymakers gathered at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational to spotlight the latest breakthroughs in transportation technology. Attendees explored cutting-edge innovations at the tech showcase, examined TxDOT advancements during the poster session, and participated in dynamic panel discussions on emerging trends. The event marked a pivotal moment in driving Texas toward a smarter, more connected future.

Event agenda

View the agenda

Event highlights

Cutting-edge technology showcase

Exhibitors introduced the latest innovations across multiple sectors, including AI-powered solutions, unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced technologies. 

View list of exhibitors
Poster session

Local innovations—developed and deployed across the state—took the spotlight, offering real-world solutions that enhance safety, mobility, and efficiency. 

View posters
Expert panels and breakout sessions

The event showcased engaging panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, and a team exhibition that spotlighted innovative projects and visionary strategies.

Read event summary

Innovation awards

TIA Industry Innovator of the Year Award

Recognize a non-TxDOT individual for outstanding transportation-related work alongside a state agency or local government to deploy or implement an innovative initiative.

Learn more about the TIA Industry Innovator Award
TxDOT Innovator of the Year Award

TxDOT staff recognized a fellow employee who has turned their ideas into solutions and implemented innovative projects that help TxDOT address high-level challenges.

Learn more about the TxDOT Innovator Award
2025 STAR Award Winners

Local government teams pitched regional mobility solutions in a competition for the STAR award. Congratulations to Team East Texas, Team Frisco, and Team Permian Basin.

Learn more about STAR Award winners
  • A delivery robot and autonomous vehicle at the Tech Showcase at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
    A delivery robot and autonomous vehicle at the Tech Showcase at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
  • Erika Kemp and Darran Anderson provide closing comments at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
    Erika Kemp and Darran Anderson provide closing comments at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
  • Caroline Mays, TxDOT Senior Director of Planning and Modal Programs, at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
    Caroline Mays, TxDOT Senior Director of Planning and Modal Programs, at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
  • Freight vehicle at the Tech Showcaseat the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
    Freight vehicle at the Tech Showcaseat the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
  • Brandye Hendrickson, Deputy Executive Director of TxDOT, at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
    Brandye Hendrickson, Deputy Executive Director of TxDOT, at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
  • A robot dog at the Tech Showcase at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
    A robot dog at the Tech Showcase at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
  • L-r: William McLane, Director of Transportation Operations in the San Angelo District, received the 2025 Innovator of the Year award from Erika Kemp, Director of the Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Division, at the Texas Innovation Invitational on June 18, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.
    L-r: William McLane, Director of Transportation Operations in the San Angelo District, received the 2025 Innovator of the Year award from Erika Kemp, Director of the Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Division, at the Texas Innovation Invitational on June 18, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.
  • Mayor Mattie Parker of Fort Worth at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
    Mayor Mattie Parker of Fort Worth at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
  • Anna McAuley, Center for Transportation Research, at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
    Anna McAuley, Center for Transportation Research, at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.
  • Team Frisco won a STAR Award at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025. L-r: Erika Kemp, TxDOT; Karen Smith, and Brian Moen, of Team Frisco; Darran Anderson, TxDOT.
    Team Frisco won a STAR Award at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025. L-r: Erika Kemp, TxDOT; Karen Smith, and Brian Moen, of Team Frisco; Darran Anderson, TxDOT.
  • Team East Texas, winner of the S.T.A.R. Award at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.L-r: Erika Kemp, TxDOT; Baylea Evans, Team East Texas; Darran Anderson, TxDOT.
    Team East Texas, winner of the S.T.A.R. Award at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16-18, 2025.L-r: Erika Kemp, TxDOT; Baylea Evans, Team East Texas; Darran Anderson, TxDOT.
  • Team Permian Basin, winners of the 2025 S.T.A.R. Award at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 16-18, 2025. L-right: Erika Kemp, TxDOT; Eddie Landrum, Ector County; John Henderson, Ector County; Ruby Anaya, City of Midland; Cameron Walker, Permian Basin MPO; Gabe McClelland, City of Midland; Lindsey Adams, City of Midland; Michele Hagemann, City of Midland; Darran Anderson, TxDOT.
    Team Permian Basin, winners of the 2025 S.T.A.R. Award at the 2025 Texas Innovation Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 16-18, 2025. L-right: Erika Kemp, TxDOT; Eddie Landrum, Ector County; John Henderson, Ector County; Ruby Anaya, City of Midland; Cameron Walker, Permian Basin MPO; Gabe McClelland, City of Midland; Lindsey Adams, City of Midland; Michele Hagemann, City of Midland; Darran Anderson, TxDOT.
  • A large event hall full of people looking towards the stage at the Texas Innovation Invitational 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.
    A large event hall full of people looking towards the stage at the Texas Innovation Invitational 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.