Connecting UPenn Student, Faculty, and Staff with leading public sector transportation agencies to solve the sector’s toughest challenges.
Pitchfest: Transportationis an inaugural event hosted by the Transportation Initiative at Penn (TRIP), a hub for research, innovation, and real-world solutions in transportation housed in the Institute for Urban Research at the University of Pennsylvania. The event is designed to connect transportation-focused public agencies with faculty and staff at the University of Pennsylvania to collaborate on applied research projects.
On October 29th, public agency staff are invited to give low-stakes, two-minute pitches on short-term, high-impact projects that could benefit from external expert support. After the event, the Pitchfest team works to “match” agencies with faculty and staff. Please visit the full Pitchfest: Transportation webpage for more information about the event.
– Introduction
Hear opening remarks from Leslie S. Richards, Founder & Executive Director, TRIP, and an explanation of the Pitchfest process from Patrick Sabol, Program Director, TRIP.
– First Round of Agency Pitches
Hear pitches from agency staff. A full list of pitches will be published by October 16th.
– Panel Discussion
A conversation with Penn faculty and transportation practitioners on applied research in the sector. Moderated by Megan S. Ryerson, UPS Foundation Chair of Transportation, University of Pennsylvania.
– Second Round of Agency Pitches
Hear pitches from agency staff.
– Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Closing remarks and an overview of next steps for interested researchers.
– Happy Hour
Join us for drinks and conversation to close out the day.