IDEA Programs (Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis)
Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) consists of three programs focused on early-stage, high-risk, high pay-off, investigator led research in highways, transit, and railroad safety and performance.
IDEA has three available programs:
1. NCHRP IDEA
Foster innovative concepts for design, construction, safety, maintenance, operations, and management of highway systems.
2. Rail Safety IDEA
Foster innovative approaches to improving railroad safety or performance.
3. Transit IDEA
Foster innovative approaches with potential to enhance security, increase ridership, and improve efficiency for transit systems.
Every IDEA program supports two types of projects:
1. Proof-of-concept projects, which investigate the feasibility of a concept and its potential for application to transportation.
2. Prototype projects, which develop concepts that show particular promise.
The duration of an IDEA project is generally one to two years. This may be adjusted if specific circumstances warrant.
TBD
IDEA programs are open to all, including foreign nationals living and working outside the U.S.