Abhishek Dubey and Dan Work among recipients in inaugural mobility grant

Vanderbilt University was awarded $890,000 from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s (TNECD) inaugural Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) Mobility and Automotive Discovery Grants. The TNGO initiative aims to position Tennessee as a top destination for automotive and mobility research by connecting statewide research assets, communities, and talent. As part of the $2.9 million awarded in the first round, Vanderbilt will lead a project using advanced LiDAR sensors to address traffic-related fatalities in Clarksville, collaborating with local institutions and agencies. Additionally, Vanderbilt is a key partner in two other projects focused on AI optimization for school bus routes and designing a multimodal transit system for Blue Oval City.

Vanderbilt’s involvement underscores its leadership in mobility research and the broader mission to make Tennessee a hub for innovative transportation solutions. These projects, led by professors Dan Work and Abhishek Dubey, demonstrate the university's commitment to applying advanced technologies like AI and mobile LiDAR to enhance public safety and operational efficiency. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee emphasized the importance of these initiatives in supporting the state’s mobility supply chain and advancing economic growth. TNECD officials also highlighted the potential for these grants to drive public-private partnerships and spur further innovation across Tennessee’s automotive and transportation sectors.

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