CDOT Asks Public and Entrepreneurs for Tech Ideas

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December 1, 2016

Colorado Department of Transportation Launches International Technology-driven RoadX Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge

Invites citizens from across the U.S. and around the globe to concept innovative solutions for cash prizes to keep bicyclists and pedestrians safe in Colorado

STATEWIDE – Approximately 500 Coloradans die in road accidents every year. Bicyclists and pedestrians account for 12 percent of these fatalities across the state. To address the unique safety needs of bicyclists and pedestrians, the Colorado Department of Transportation launched the RoadX Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge. Open to anyone and in partnership with the Colorado Innovation Network (COIN)’s Imagine Colorado, the RoadX Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge engages entrepreneurs and ideators in the pursuit of technology-driven safety solutions.

RoadX is Colorado’s bold commitment to national leadership in using innovative technology to improve the state’s transportation system. “The advent of the personal computer, the Internet and smart devices has dramatically changed how we conduct business and live our lives,” says Shailen Bhatt, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Transportation. “Transportation has yet to fully benefit from these advancements and the RoadX program furthers the integration of technology into our industry.” In this vein, the $500,000 RoadX Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge asks entrepreneurs, ideators, and communities to develop inventive technological solutions to protect bicyclists and pedestrians in Colorado.

“Our goal is to transform Colorado’s transportation system into one of the safest and most reliable in the nation by harnessing the power of technology,” explains Amy Ford, Communications Director, Colorado Department of Transportation. “We’re inviting Coloradans into the process to leverage today’s technological renaissance in creating a safer bicycling and pedestrian experience for all.”

The RoadX Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge consists of two tracks designed to not only solicit great ideas, but also actionable concepts.

Track One, Idea-thon:
· Encourages participants to submit a groundbreaking technological idea to improve bicycling and pedestrian safety
· Up to five winners will be chosen with a prize of $10,000 each.

Track Two, Do-athon:
· Prompts Coloradans to enter a unique and implementable idea and deploy the technology within eight months.
· Up to five finalists will be chosen and each will receive $75,000 to build proof of concept.
· The team that deploys the best working technology over eight months will receive $150,000 to continue the program. The runner up will receive $50,000 and third place will receive $25,000.

“We believe wholeheartedly in the power of collective insights to solve problems in our communities,” says Anna Ewing, Executive Director, Colorado Innovation Network. “We’re looking forward to seeing Colorado’s most innovative ideas – establishing our state as a leader in terms of technology-driven safety.”

All entries must be submitted through Imagine Colorado via roadxbikeped.codot.gov. The RoadX Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge is open to all anybody, living in the U.S. or across the world, over the age of 18 who may submit ideas either individually or in teams, and in English or Spanish. All proposals are due February 27, 2017. Finalists will be selected on March 31, 2017.

For more information about the RoadX Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge, visit roadxbikeped.codot.gov. To learn more about RoadX, visit https://www.codot.gov/programs/roadx.

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