KDOT accepting applications for Innovative Technology Program

The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2028 project for the agency's Innovative Technology Program.

The Innovative Technology Program provides financial assistance to governmental and non-governmental organizations for innovative transportation-related projects that promote safety, improve access or mobility and implement new transportation technology.

Innovative technology is broadly defined as any technology that does not currently exist in the local community of the project. This allows local communities to determine what projects to submit based on their specific needs.

All transportation system projects are eligible, including roadway (on and off the state system), rail, aviation, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), bicycle/pedestrian, public transit, software and technology infrastructure. Candidate projects should include investments that provide transportation benefits and are not eligible for other KDOT programs. This round of grant funding has an overall budget of $2 million, with a maximum awarded amount of $1 million per project.

A project concept must be submitted and approved by KDOT before an application is provided to the applicant. The project concepts deadline is Sept. 11, and the application deadline is Oct. 9. For details, click on the Project Concept Submission form or the Fact Sheet on the program's webpage at https://www.ksdot.gov/programs/local-opportunity-programs/innovative-technology-program.

A few past approved innovative projects include the Autonomous Agriculture Vehicle Pilot, Blocked Rail Crossing Alert System Pilot, Improving Multi-Modal Safety Using Advanced AI, Aviation and Engineering Research Operations (UAS/AAM) and VIN Inspection Program Modernization.

Please contact Innovative Technologies Bureau Chief Mitch Sothers at [email protected] for more information.

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