Chattanooga Connect 2024 Agenda

Chattanooga Connect 2024 Schedule at a Glance:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024 | ||
5–7 p.m. | Chattanooga Connect 2024 Welcome Reception and Check-In Location: Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View, Chattanooga TN 37403 | |
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024 | ||
7:30–8:30 a.m. | Chattanooga Connect 2024 Check-In and Breakfast Location: Tennessee Room, UTC University Center | |
8:30–9 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks The opening session will feature remarks from local leaders, including Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, and a representative from LG, Chattanooga Connect’s presenting sponsor. | |
9–9:45 a.m. | Opening Keynote Session Location: Auditorium, UTC University Center Speaker: Alasdair Cain | |
9:50–10:30 a.m. | Navigating Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for Emerging Transportation Technologies
This panel will delve into the complexities of policy and regulatory frameworks that govern the deployment and integration of emerging technologies in the transportation sector. | |
10:45–11:30 a.m. | Parallel Panels 1 | |
A. AI on the Road: Real-World Applications and Success Stories
This panel will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the transportation sector through real-world applications and success stories. Attendees will hear from experts who are leveraging AI to enhance road safety, optimize traffic management and drive innovation in urban mobility. The discussion will touch on the practical challenges of deploying AI solutions, the readiness of the AI ecosystem, and the regulatory frameworks that will shape AI’s future on our roads. Panelists will also discuss the importance of equity in AI deployment to ensure the benefits are shared across all communities. | B. Leveraging AI and CAV for Smarter, Safer, and Greener Mobility
This panel will showcase cutting-edge research being conducted at leading academic institutions on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) for the advancement of smarter, safer and greener urban mobility. Featuring researchers from top universities such as the University of Pittsburgh, the University of South Florida and Rutgers University, the discussion will explore the latest findings in AI and CAV technology and their applications in real-world scenarios. Panelists will highlight the importance of academic research in driving innovation and discuss the future of urban mobility, with a focus on safety, sustainability and equity. Attendees will gain insights into how research labs are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of intelligent transportation systems. | |
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Lunch Keynote Session Location: Tennessee Room, UTC University Center Speaker: Erwin Gianchandani | |
1:15–2 p.m. | State-Level Collaborations, Partnerships, and Economic Development Moderator: Victoria Hirschberg, University of Tennessee System
This panel will delve into the significance of collaboration and public-private partnerships in driving innovation and state-level initiatives, particularly related to emerging technologies in the transportation sector. By bringing together key figures from state agencies, industry and the innovation sector, the discussion will highlight strategies for successful partnerships, explore cutting-edge projects and identify future opportunities for growth. The panel will also discuss the economic development benefits and opportunities that arise from successful collaborations in this space. | |
2:15–3 p.m. | Parallel Panels 2 | |
A. Nationally Scalable C-V2X Pilot Deployment: Advancing Interoperable Connectivity for Improving Safety and Operations in Chattanooga (USDOT SMART) Moderator: Mina Sartipi, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
This panel will explore the successful deployment of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology in Chattanooga as part of the USDOT SMART (Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation) initiative. Panelists will discuss how Chattanooga, in partnership with institutions like the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, ITS America, Leidos and Qualcomm, has implemented a scalable C-V2X pilot that advances interoperable connectivity to improve road safety and traffic operations. The conversation will focus on the potential of C-V2X to create a smarter, safer and more efficient urban environment and how Chattanooga’s experience can serve as a model for other cities across the nation. | B. Digital Infrastructure in Action: Success Stories and Scaling Up Moderator: Prachi Vakharia, USDOT
This panel will highlight the transformative role digital infrastructure is playing in creating smarter, more connected cities. Featuring representatives from both public and private sectors, the discussion will focus on real-world use cases where digital infrastructure has been successfully deployed to improve urban mobility, safety and efficiency. Panelists will share insights into the integration of end-to-end solutions and discuss the challenges and opportunities of scaling up digital infrastructure deployments. Attendees will learn how scalable solutions can be replicated in other cities to drive sustainable urban growth. | |
3:15–4 p.m. | Parallel Panels 3 | |
A. Network V2X and Dedicated 5.9 GHz: Unpacking Deployment and Roadblocks Moderator: Tim Drake, ITS America
This panel will explore the complexities and challenges of deploying Network Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies and utilizing the dedicated 5.9 GHz spectrum. This discussion will cover real-world deployment experiences and the technical and regulatory roadblocks they’ve encountered. Attendees will gain insights into how V2X technology is evolving and what is needed to overcome obstacles in deployment to achieve safer, more efficient urban mobility systems. | B. TNGO Unveiled: New Projects and Future Opportunities Moderator: Victoria Hirschberg, University of Tennessee System
This panel will showcase new projects spearheaded by the Tennessee Government Organization (TNGO) in collaboration with academic institutions to support research and development in the mobility sector. This discussion will focus on the state’s support for advancing cutting-edge technologies like V2X and AI. Attendees will learn about the exciting initiatives underway and the opportunities for growth and collaboration in making Tennessee a leader in mobility innovation. | |
4:15–4:45 p.m. | Closing Session and Preview for 2025 Location: Auditorium, UTC University Center | |
5–7 p.m. | Co.Lab Connect Location: Guerry Center Reading Room Mix and Mingle with top industry leaders and researchers at a special happy hour sponsored by The Company Lab. | |
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024 | ||
8–8:45 a.m. | Coffee, Bagels & Networking Location: Edney Innovation Center, Floor 5 1100 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 | |
8:45–9:30 a.m. | "The UTC CUIP Story - Pioneering Urban Transportation Innovation" Speaker: CUIP Team led by Mina Sartipi This session will feature a presentation and rotating tour of the facilities. Topics will include the inception, evolution, and impact of CUIP. Attendees will learn about the center’s vision, milestones, and contributions to smart city initiatives and connected mobility. | |
9:30–10:15 a.m. | "Challenges and Lessons Learned in Building the Testbed" Speaker: CUIP Team led by Austin Harris Discussion about the technical, logistical, and regulatory hurdles encountered during the creation of the intelligent transportation testbed. Panelists will share strategies for overcoming obstacles and offer advice for similar projects. | |
10:30–11:45 a.m. | Urban Testbed Tour (Space Limited - Registration Required) Join us for a guided tour of the MLK Smart Corridor. This session will include a live showcase of V2X communications, loT deployments, edge computing, and real-time data analytics at various intersections and mid-block locations. | |
11:45a.m.–12 p.m. | Closing Remarks: “Shaping the Future Together” Speaker: Austin Harris and Mina Sartipi Summarizing key takeaways from the workshop and highlighting opportunities for collaboration, research, and participation in future projects. |