Early-bird registration is now open for Chattanooga Connect 2026, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Institute’s (UTCRI) third annual conference that brings together leaders from government, industry, academia and entrepreneurship to explore the future of transportation, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and connected mobility.
Hosted Sept. 14-16 in Chattanooga, Chattanooga Connect will convene national experts, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders to share how emerging technologies are moving beyond research and pilot projects into real-world deployment. The three-day event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, technology demonstrations and collaborative discussions focused on advancing practical, scalable solutions to some of today’s most pressing infrastructure and mobility challenges.
“One of the most important responsibilities of a public university is preparing students for the opportunities of tomorrow while helping strengthen the community we serve,” said UTC Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce. “At UTC, we’re building a research enterprise where education, discovery and community partnerships come together to create lasting impact. Chattanooga Connect is a true reflection of that vision—connecting ideas to implementation, preparing the workforce of the future and strengthening Chattanooga’s role in Tennessee’s innovation economy.”
Chattanooga Connect is hosted by UTCRI, whose research portfolio spans transportation and mobility, quantum information science and engineering, digital infrastructure, advanced computing and other interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on solving complex, real-world challenges.
“Research alone isn’t enough,” said UTC Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Executive Director of UTCRI Mina Sartipi. “The real challenge is helping promising technologies move beyond the laboratory and beyond pilot projects into practical, scalable solutions. Chattanooga Connect exists to move promising research toward deployment by creating the collaboration and momentum needed to turn bold ideas into solutions that make communities safer, stronger and more connected.”
Early-bird registration for Chattanooga Connect 2026 begins today and will remain available through July 31. Discounted registration rates are also available for students. Additional conference announcements, including keynote speakers, panelists and the full program agenda, will be released in the coming weeks.
Initial sponsors for Chattanooga Connect 2026 include EPB, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Chattanooga. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations interested in supporting the conference and connecting with leaders in transportation, technology, research and innovation.
For registration, conference information and sponsorship opportunities, visit go.utc.edu/cc or email [email protected].
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About the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Institute: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Institute (UTCRI) advances interdisciplinary research, innovation and workforce development by bringing together researchers, faculty, students, industry, government and community partners to address complex challenges that cannot be solved through a single discipline alone. The institute fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, develops strategic research partnerships and expands UTC’s research infrastructure to translate discovery into real-world solutions.
UTCRI’s research enterprise includes the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress, the Quantum Center and the Nanoengineering Center, with additional focus areas in applied computational science and engineering, sustainable and smart energy systems, mobility and transportation and emerging technologies. Together, these initiatives strengthen UTC’s role as a leading metropolitan research university while preparing the workforce of tomorrow and advancing innovation that benefits Chattanooga, Tennessee, and beyond.
Chattanooga Connect returns Sept. 14-16.
