MaineDOT hosted the inaugural Innovation Showcase Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 at the Augusta Civic Center, bringing together transportation professionals, researchers, industry partners, and MaineDOT employees to highlight innovative ideas and solutions that are shaping the future of transportation in Maine.
This inaugural event celebrates the creativity, expertise, and collaboration driving improvements across Maine's transportation system. Through presentations and discussions participants are sharing successful initiatives, pilot projects, emerging technologies, and practical solutions designed to address infrastructure challenges.
“When funding is limited, innovation becomes even more critical.” said MaineDOT deputy commissioner Joyce Taylor, who opened the event. “This is an opportunity to share emerging technologies that can help us do more with less, improve efficiency, and identify new solutions to meet the transportation needs of the future.”
The event featured presentations on a range of transportation innovations, including pavement rutting research, improvements to Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS), the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) in transportation, automated winter road salting and perspectives on innovation in transportation construction.
A central component of the event is the Innovation Awards, which recognize individuals, teams and projects demonstrating creativity, leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing transportation in Maine. Award categories include the Route to Innovation Award, Driving Innovation Together Award, People's Choice Innovation Award, Pioneering Safety Award, Homegrown Innovation Award, and Distinguished Innovator Award.
The awards recognize a range of contributions, from research-driven process improvements, success stories from industry peers in other states, to practical innovations developed by MaineDOT employees. Together, the categories reflect the department's commitment to fostering a culture in which new ideas are encouraged, shared, and translated into meaningful improvements.
The Innovation Showcase represents another step in MaineDOT's ongoing efforts to promote continuous improvement and strengthen partnerships across the transportation community. By bringing employees, researchers, consultants, contractors, and technology providers together, the department aims to create opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration that can help address today's transportation needs and build a more resilient system for the future.
Awards:
• Driving Innovation Together Award — Interstate Rutting Research Project
Scott Bickford, James Havu, Nick Dutil, Ryan Robinson (MaineDOT) and Josh Patten, David Bernhardt (McClure)
• Route to Innovation Award — SCADA Implementation at the International Marine Terminal in Portland
Matt Burns & Jen Paul (MaineDOT)
• Pioneering Safety Award — Vertical Lights for Survey Crews
Jason Everett (MaineDOT)
• Homegrown Innovation Award — Edge Line Marking System
Timothy Pelotte (MaineDOT)
• Distinguished Innovator Award
Cliff Curtis (MaineDOT)
• People's Choice Award - Automated Salting Pilot Program
Brian Austin, Cliff Curtis (MaineDOT)
Emil Danielsson (Klimator)
Michael Bergeron (Epoke North America)
Marc Valenti (Brine Technologies)
