2025 Annual Meeting: An Opportunity to Connect, Collaborate, and Innovate the Future

November 2-5, 2025

The 2025 ASPIRE Annual Meeting featured a collaboration across the center as we gathered to share groundbreaking research and technology, engage in meaningful discussions, and deepen the connections that bind the ASPIRE family. From our very first Innovation Challenge to showcasing the latest electrified transportation research, attendees across our 10-core campuses and industry representatives united towards an innovative future. Explore the highlights of the meeting through our photo gallery and reminisce in the moments that led to a memorable event.

INNOVATION CHALLENGE

To kick-off the events of ASPIRE’s Year 5 Annual Meeting, the innovation team at ASPIRE organized our first-ever student Innovation Challenge. Approximately 40 students across eight teams participated in this event that was sponsored by Industry and Innovation members Pennsylvania Turnpike and Asphalt Systems Inc, as well as two other sponsors — Quarter Circle A and Jobflow. These sponsors donated $6500 for cash prizes that went to the winning teams. Each team was given approximately 24 hours to come up with a solution to an industry challenge, receiving feedback and mentorship from over 20 industry representatives. The winning team, who also won the People’s Choice and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Awards, walked away with $2500 after this 24-hour event. Winners were announced and congratulated at the ASPIRE Opening Social, hosted on the USU Campus.

INDUSTRY & INNOVATION DAY

Building off the excitement and momentum from the Innovation Challenge, Tuesday, November 4 was the Industry & Innovation Day, featuring a variety of panelist and workshops highlighting the latest groundbreaking research and industry innovations. From university and state leadership in Utah to deans across ASPIRE’s 10 campuses, over 230 people participated in the workshops — including over 70 industry members. Individual table discussions generated over 67 pages of notes and insights that ASPIRE will be using as a guide for its Year 7 planning. Below are some highlights from Industry & Innovation Day.

TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE

Topping off a successful Industry & Innovation Day, attendees gathered at the Electric Vehicle & Roadway (EVR) ASPIRE facility for a technology showcase. With over 120 posters and 250 participants, it was an exciting opportunity to share research, network with ASPIRE and industry members from around the globe, and celebrate our efforts here at ASPIRE. Dive into a few of the highlights below!

Thank you all for a fantastic, fulfilling, and successful week! We look forward to seeing you next year!