The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has revealed the Region III Champions of the FIA Innovation Challenge 2026, celebrating the projects that are driving mobility solutions across North America.

Announced as Region III Champions at the FIA American Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, were FIA Member Clubs:

• Alberta Motor Association (AMA, Canada; Member of the Canadian Automobile Association) for ‘Crosswalk Quest Suite’, and the gamification of child road safety education.
• Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA, Jamaica) for the ‘iDrive4Life’ driver training programme.
• Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA, USA) for ‘Closing Gaps in US Automotive Safety Policy’ through its ADAS research initiative.

Now in its third year, the FIA Innovation Challenge has seen Member Clubs throughout Region III reinforcing their commitment to supporting individuals and businesses with solutions for safer, more sustainable, and more affordable mobility.

The AMA has gamified road safety education for children across Canada, while the JAA has created a modern and inclusive driver training programme for Jamaica. And SEMA is helping close knowledge gaps around the latest advanced driver assistance systems.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA said: “The FIA Innovation Challenge celebrates the breadth of knowledge and strength of dedication that is helping shape the future of mobility. 

“Congratulations to our Region III Champions and thank you to all our Member Clubs for taking part. These projects are addressing local challenges, but they are also showcasing new solutions for road users around the world.”

Tim Shearman, Deputy President for Automobile Mobility and Tourism said: “When meeting current and future mobility challenges, our Member Clubs are our greatest assets, enabling us to support road users with genuine local understanding.

“Our Region III Champions are now demonstrating how, when we share this local expertise across our network, we can create global solutions that address the needs of road users at scale.”

Frank Fotia, FIA Region III President said: “Region III is home to some of the world's most innovative mobility organisations, and this year's winners reflect the depth of talent and expertise across our network.

“Whether improving road safety for children, developing safer drivers or addressing the challenges of emerging technologies, these projects are creating lasting benefits for road users throughout the region.”

The FIA Innovation Challenge is an annual contest promoting and celebrating impactful and scalable business and services projects from Member Clubs in the four global Mobility Regions across the FIA Network (Asia Pacific / Europe, Middle East and Africa / North America / South and Central America).

Three champions will be selected from each of the four Mobility Regions, with a global judging panel selecting one Global Winner from each Region, who will receive their awards at the FIA General Assemblies week in Shanghai, China, in December.

The Winning Submissions:

Crosswalk Quest Suite | Gamifying road safety (AMA, Canada)

In 2024, AMA partnered with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to reimagine road safety education through Crosswalk Quest: School Safety. Developed for the popular Roblox platform, it aimed to gamify the AMA School Safety Patrol training for children aged 10-12. Building on this success the AMA has now launched Crosswalk Quest: Zoo Rescue, teaching children aged 5-10 about the fundamentals of pedestrian and bicycle safety. Players learn real-world safety skills such as managing impatient crossers, fast-moving vehicles and heavy traffic, all while completing fun missions, helping reinforce critical thinking and safe decision-making.

Michelle Chimko, President and CEO of the AMA said: “Helping children develop safe road habits from an early age is vital, and as the way they learn continues to evolve, we must ensure road safety education evolves with them.

“By meeting young people where they already spend time online, we’re continuing to modernise our long-standing School Safety Patrol programme, increasing engagement, and helping create safer roads for future generations.”

iDrive4Life Education Model | Empowering drivers to drive safely (JAA, Jamaica)

iDrive4Life, powered by the JAA and JN Foundation, aims to promote safe and responsible road use in Jamaica. Combining practical training, road safety education, simulator-based learning and behavioural change programmes, iDrive4Life equips drivers with the skills and attitudes needed for safer road use. The initiative also provides access for young people, underserved communities, and differently abled individuals while supporting higher licensing success rates and greater mobility independence. Through partnerships with schools, government and businesses, iDrive4Life delivers a scalable model with sustainable social and economic benefits.

The Hon. Earl Jarrett, President of the JAA said: “Driver education plays a critical role in improving road safety outcomes, particularly for young and inexperienced drivers who are developing the skills and behaviours that will stay with them throughout their lives.

“Through iDrive4Life, we are combining practical training with the latest digital learning tools to create safer, more responsible road users, while expanding mobility access for communities across Jamaica.”

Closing Gaps in US Automotive Safety Policy | Safety policy that keeps pace with technology (SEMA, USA)

SEMA’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) research initiative is addressing a critical challenge in modern vehicle safety by understanding how aftermarket modifications interact with ADAS performance. Through independent, evidence-based research, SEMA is developing testing methods, real-world validation processes, and policy frameworks that help manufacturers, regulators, and vehicle owners ensure lifesaving systems continue to function when needed most.

Mike Spagnola, CEO of SEMA said: “As advanced driver assistance systems become standard across the vehicle fleet, the automotive industry faces a shared responsibility to ensure innovation and safety continue to move forward together.

“By providing independent, evidence-based insights, our research is helping close critical knowledge gaps for manufacturers, policymakers and vehicle owners as they continue to use and interact with these potentially lifesaving systems on the road.”   

-ENDS- 

For media enquiries please contact: 

• George Mitchell, Mobility Communications Officer: gmitchell@fia.com 
• Laure Mercier Roussel, Head of Mobility Communications: lmercier@fia.com 

About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile   

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.   

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 246 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.