Pitchfest: Transportation is an inaugural event bringing public transportation agencies together with University of Pennsylvania researchers to identify practical research collaborations. Agencies will present real-world projects that could benefit from outside expertise, with the aim of helping public bodies develop more effective, evidence-based programs and policies.12
The event is hosted by the Transportation Initiative at Penn (TRIP), a transportation research and applied-solutions hub housed within the Penn Institute for Urban Research. TRIP launched in 2025 and is led by founding director Leslie Richards, a professor of practice in City and Regional Planning.611 The event builds on Pilot City’s Pitchfest model, which has operated with local partners since 2024. Pilot City reports that more than 40 government agencies and 500 local experts have taken part, with experts matched to more than 50 projects.12
At the October 29 gathering, agency representatives will each have two minutes to pitch a project. A panel discussion on applied transportation research, moderated by Richards, will feature public-sector leaders including Gia Biagi of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Solomon Caviness of Atlanta’s Department of Transportation, and executives from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, New York State Department of Transportation, rabbittransit, and Choose How You Move Nashville.1 Penn students, faculty, and staff are the intended research partners; the event is also open to others interested in transportation innovation.26
The program runs from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium at the Penn Museum in Philadelphia, followed by a networking reception in the Asia Gallery.16 Penn IUR describes the format as a way to connect agency needs with relevant university expertise; Pilot City says the follow-up process includes matching agencies with researchers, with funding available for eligible projects.12