NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced today $1 million will be awarded to two collaborative teams through the Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) initiative. Today’s announcement marks the fifth and sixth of eight total recipients, receiving grants through the second round of TNGO funding.
TNGO, which has received a total of $7.5 million in funding through the Tennessee General Assembly, serves as a tool to diversify the state’s economy by leveraging both public and private sector assets to attract mobility research and development (R&D) investment to Tennessee. The initiative serves as part of the state’s efforts to make Tennessee the No. 1 destination in the Southeast for automotive and mobility R&D investment.
“As companies continue to innovate, it’s important that we showcase the exceptional research being done to modernize infrastructure across our state,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Today’s announcement highlights new partnerships with three Tennessee-based global brands, and I look forward to seeing how these investments create greater opportunity for Tennesseans.”
The selected projects exemplify how Tennessee can lead in industry-driven and collaborative mobility R&D and will serve as catalysts to attract additional industry-related R&D investment to the state.
“The UT System is one of our biggest assets in recruiting new business to Tennessee, and as we think about the companies and jobs we want to attract to the state, it’s critical that we work in lockstep with our educational institutions to ensure we are aligned with what industries need,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “I thank Gov. Lee for his leadership and strategic efforts to build out Tennessee’s innovation ecosystem and UT System President Boyd for his partnership in announcing this latest round of TNGO grants.”
The grant recipients listed below include students and faculty from Tennessee’s leading research institutions who will partner with industry, economic developers and community leaders to bring their plans to fruition.
“Growing university and industry collaboration is a top priority across the UT System, and why we worked to advocate strongly for the creation of TNGO. We are grateful to the State and TNECD for recognizing the power of these partnerships,” said UT University System President Randy Boyd. “Our recipients, UT Chattanooga and UT Knoxville, are partnering with global Tennessee brands to discover and create new technologies – underscoring our commitment to help make Tennessee the top state for research and development, engineering and innovation.”
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and DENSO and LG CNS, Hamilton County – $500,000
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and DENSO are partnering to develop an advanced traffic safety system that uses artificial intelligence to make intersections smarter and safer while protecting individual privacy. Additionally, UTC and LG CNS are partnering to install a first-of-its-kind smart crosswalk system to improve pedestrian safety.
The UTC-DENSO project focuses on two major goals: predicting the risk of collisions before they happen and detecting crashes immediately when they occur. By analyzing how vehicles and pedestrians move through intersections, the system can identify potential dangers in real time and alert drivers or city systems. This project will also deploy cutting-edge technology to assess accidents as they happen, helping emergency responders act more quickly and effectively.
The UTC-LG CNS project focuses on using artificial intelligence and real-time sensor data. The system will detect when a person – especially a child, senior or someone with a disability – is approaching a crosswalk and adjust traffic signals to give them more time to cross safely. The system will also collect and analyze data to help traffic officials monitor safety in real time and improve emergency response. The partnership will also work with LIDAR technology company Ouster to collect and utilize data. LG CNS, part of the South Korean-based LG Group, which includes LG Electronics, LG Chem and LG Energy Solution, focuses on AI transformation to pioneer emerging technologies, becloud computing and powering smart cities and factories.
“We appreciate that the TNECD and the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) share our commitment to supporting safer and more efficient mobility. By working together, we’re further developing technology that not only helps streamline traffic flows and assists first responders but also protects those who are most vulnerable on our roads, helping contribute to improved safety outcomes.” — Shin Nakamura, senior vice president of North America R&D, DENSO
“This partnership between LG CNS and the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) marks a significant milestone in smart city innovation. Leveraging LG CNS’s global leadership in advanced urban technologies such as Smart Cities, Intelligent Transportation, AI and CUIP’s research-driven approach and local insight, the two organizations are committed to transforming Tennessee into a national model for data-driven, people-centric city infrastructure. With Chattanooga as the launch point, this collaboration has the potential to elevate Tennessee as the No. 1 smart city and state in the U.S.” — Sook Meslin, vice president, LG CNS
University of Tennessee, Knoxville and NTT DATA, Knox County – $500,000
Every year, Tennessee experiences several natural disasters that disrupt communities, endanger lives and cause substantial economic impacts. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and NTT DATA are collaborating to create an AI-driven disaster management platform. The UTK-NTT DATA platform will serve as a centralized hub for business continuity, disaster preparedness, response and recovery operations.
The disaster management platform focuses on demonstrating core disaster management capabilities in the Nashville area as a case study. The platform will integrate real-time data from multiple sources which will then be featured on an interactive web application with the following key functionalities:
- Interactive map with routing functionality: Users can select points on a map, and the solution will provide a safe route that bypasses hazardous areas and reduce vehicle stoppages.
- Disaster simulation: The platform can simulate various disaster scenarios to aid in disaster preparedness and planning.
- Generative AI conversational agent: A conversational AI agent responds to user questions and provides valuable insights.
- Data integration: The platform integrates relevant data sources, including state-provided data such as weather data, state transportation data, census data and business data.
“At NTT DATA, we are deeply committed to investing in cutting-edge technologies that make a meaningful impact. Our collaboration with the UTK exemplifies this commitment as we develop a GenAI-enabled disaster management solution. This partnership not only supports the State of Tennessee by creating jobs and developing essential tools but will also enhance disaster preparedness and response, fostering economic growth and innovation in the region.” – Kevin Zavada, division president, public sector, NTT DATA North America
Each proposed project aligns with Tennessee’s key automotive and mobility technology strengths and opportunities outlined in a 2022 mobility assessment report from Guidehouse Consulting, which was supported by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the University of Tennessee System (UT System) and Vanderbilt University.
For more information or questions, please reach out to [email protected].
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
TNECD Media Contact:
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
[email protected]
(615) 934-5879
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