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ARPA-I Ideas and Innovation Challenge

ARPA-I Ideas and Innovation Challenge — Stage 2

Supports transportation infrastructure challengers advancing knowledge, construction, optimization, and enabling technologies through ARPA-I competition.

The ARPA-I Ideas and Innovation Challenge Stage 2 is a prize competition run by the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Infrastructure within the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is closed to new entrants: only the 15 teams that won Stage 1 prizes in December 2025 (each receiving $20,000) are eligible to submit. The challenge targets transportation infrastructure innovation across four strategi

Transportation infrastructure innovation across four thrust areas: Knowledge, Construction, Optimization, and Enabling Technologies.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.24–36 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$700K

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: www.transportation.gov