Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Research & Innovation

We put your ideas in motion

Finding transportation solutions

In a rapidly changing world, research and innovation enable MnDOT to continuously improve how it designs and delivers infrastructure, how it operates the system, and how it responds to problems and issues as they arise. This work helps MnDOT understand what Minnesotans need and expect from their transportation system and the effects of this system on the economy and the environment.

Check out our 2025 Annual Report (PDF) to see how we're making a difference.

R&I updates

Research awards announced

February 5, 2026 – Funding awards for the 2027 annual academic research solicitation are now available. We thank all those who participated in the proposal process.

MnDOT innovation awards

October 30, 2025 - The first MnDOT Innovation Awards were announced. Read more about them at Minnesota Innovation Showcase.

Academic research RFP

July 31, 2026 – Qualified universities will be invited to submit proposals for the next RFP beginning on July 31. To be eligible to participate in MnDOT’s academic research program, universities must be invited to apply for the qualified academic institution list. .

Read our newsletter

Read the Transportation Research Update to find out about recently completed research and upcoming events.

Subscribe

Follow us

twitter icon

x icon

twitter icon

twitter icon

twitter icon

Looking for something specific?

Search within the MnDOT Office of Research & Innovation and Minnesota Local Road Research Board websites.

I want to...

Apply for funding

Find research reports

Submit a research idea

Get involved

Get transportation information