Emerging Tech

Plus, the sweet spot for 5G penetration, a VR fix for “lazy eye" in children and a hyperlocal alternative to Nextdoor for getting to know neighbors online.

It's the third annual state of space report since leaders came together in 2019 to discuss world efforts to harness the economic potential of space and threats posed by competing nations, particularly China and Russia.

The “In Case You Missed It” crew and a special guest discuss some of 2021’s biggest government tech news, from Tyler Technologies’ blockbuster buyout of NIC to the increasingly essential nature of broadband.

The Colorado Transportation Commission has set new rules that will direct less money toward highways for cars and more money toward alternate forms of transportation. Some rural areas oppose the rules.

The team of student researchers won the inaugral Grainger Computing Innovation Prize for designing a new cryptocurrency driven by a “proof-of-space” algorithm that makes mining more energy-efficient.

Although digitizing government has become easier, the amount of unstructured data agencies hold remains a steep barrier to full transparency. Artificial intelligence could be the answer.

A $1 million grant from the Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative will go toward a custom-built photon microscope that will analyze microchips and detect defects or unwanted activity.

While flood mitigation and resilience studies often focus on urban areas, researchers in Michigan are using sensors, machine learning and crowdsourcing to create disaster response tools for rural communities.

How often should EV charging stations be examined by the state for safety and effectiveness? This is the sort of question that Oklahoma will be developing rules for at the beginning of 2022.

In keeping with the fast-moving world of crypto, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has welcomed cryptocurrency innovation on Twitter, and to date, MiamiCoin has generated more than $19 million worth of STX for the city.

SpaceX's test launch of a Starship prototype took another step this month with the FCC granting a temporary permit for communications between Starship SN20 and the ground station during the flight.

City Hall in New York City claimed that NYPD would no longer employ a controversial company that creates “virtual mugshots” for investigations, but the law enforcement agency has done so in recent months.

Electric utility Tennessee Valley Authority has joined forces with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to place electric vehicle chargers every 50 miles on state highways and major thoroughfares.

A partnership between the university and Beyond Protocol is working with alt rock band Cage the Elephant to test a “biometric suit” that monitors brain waves, heart rate and other vitals, hoping to study mental health.

The regional transportation plan of the San Diego Association of Governments has several issues: not enough riders, low demand and an uncertain time frame. The association should take a harder look at the evidence.

Plain Township is the latest local government in Stark County, Ohio, to embrace electric vehicles, installing two EV chargers at a shopping plaza. The chargers will be free to use for a few months.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has verbalized his opposition to a bill that would significantly expand consumer tax credits for electric vehicles and provide other financial support for the emerging EV industry.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is seeking proposals from companies for a transit system that would feature all-electric autonomous mini buses that citizens can call for via an app or city kiosk.