Perficient Drives Automotive Innovation with 2025 Formula SAE & Student Partnerships
Perficient, a leading global digital consultancy known for transforming the world’s largest enterprises and most recognizable brands, has announced an exciting expansion of its “Electrifying the Future of Automotive” program. This initiative will now provide support to 12 Formula SAE and Formula Student teams from prestigious universities across the United States and Romania. These partnerships underscore Perficient’s commitment to driving innovation in automotive engineering by empowering the next generation of engineers to design, build, and race formula-style vehicles equipped with cutting-edge technology.
Fostering Innovation in Automotive Engineering
Formula SAE and Formula Student programs challenge collegiate teams to develop high-performance race cars, encouraging students to push the boundaries of engineering and automotive technology. These competitions provide an unparalleled hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge in aerodynamics, materials science, powertrain design, and data analytics while competing at national and international levels.
Each year, participating teams test their designs against global competitors, contributing to advancements in the automotive industry. The partnership with Perficient enables these students to gain insight into the latest digital solutions transforming the sector, reinforcing their technical knowledge with exposure to industry best practices.
Perficient’s Role in Supporting Collegiate Teams
Through these partnerships, Perficient professionals engage with students by offering mentorship, career guidance, and industry insights. Team members gain valuable exposure to how Perficient collaborates with major automotive brands, providing digital strategy, connected vehicle solutions, electrification advancements, and omnichannel commerce expertise.
Beyond mentorship, Perficient’s involvement extends to touring team facilities, learning about their design and engineering processes, and cheering them on during competitions. This hands-on engagement fosters strong industry-academic ties, ensuring students are well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to the evolving automotive landscape.
Universities Partnering with Perficient
The 12 university teams benefiting from Perficient’s support represent some of the most respected institutions in engineering and automotive research:
- Northwestern University
- Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
- Texas A&M University
- The Ohio State University
- University of Colorado, Boulder
- University of Georgia, Athens
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- University of Missouri, Columbia
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte
- University of California, Irvine
- Washington University in St. Louis
Advancing Automotive Technology and Alternative Energy
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and electrification. While many Formula SAE and Formula Student teams still compete with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, an increasing number are pivoting toward electric vehicle (EV) technology, recognizing its potential to shape the future of transportation.
One such example is the Formula Buckeyes team from The Ohio State University. Following a highly successful 2024 season, which included three first-place finishes in ICE-powered competitions, the team has decided to transition entirely to EV development.
“With a legacy of pushing technical boundaries, the shift to EV represents the Formula Buckeyes team’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and high-performance engineering,” said a team representative. “We aim to build on our competitive success in internal combustion, applying the same level of precision, teamwork, and ingenuity to develop a cutting-edge electric racecar. This transition is more than just a powertrain—it’s an opportunity to redefine what’s possible in collegiate motorsports and prepare the team for the future of the automotive industry.”
Perficient’s partnerships serve as a vital catalyst in this transition, equipping students with the knowledge and resources to explore new frontiers in alternative propulsion, battery technology, and energy efficiency.
Perficient’s Impact on the Automotive Industry
As a trusted partner to some of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers, Perficient plays a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility. The company serves seven of the top 10 global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), providing digital solutions that enhance connectivity, electrification, and consumer engagement.
Perficient has been at the forefront of industry research, presenting key findings at the recent Reuters Automotive USA tradeshow. The company’s experts discussed how connected products—especially vehicles—are reshaping customer expectations and providing a strategic roadmap for OEMs and suppliers. Additionally, Perficient’s research into EV adoption has highlighted opportunities for legacy automakers and dealerships to improve the customer experience and accelerate widespread acceptance of electric vehicles.
Preparing the Next Generation of Automotive Innovators
Perficient’s continued support of Formula SAE and Formula Student teams reflects a broader vision of preparing students for careers in an industry that is rapidly evolving. By fostering collaboration between academia and the automotive sector, Perficient is helping to equip future engineers with the skills and knowledge required to navigate challenges in digital transformation, software integration, and sustainable mobility.
“We believe that investing in young talent is essential for the future of automotive innovation,” said Justin Huckins, director of digital strategy and automotive industry lead at Perficient. “These Formula SAE and Formula Student teams are making groundbreaking advancements, and we’re thrilled to deepen our investment in their programs. Our ongoing partnership demonstrates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering, and we can’t wait to see the achievements of these incredible teams this season.”
As the 2025 Formula SAE and Formula Student season unfolds, Perficient remains dedicated to supporting these collegiate teams in their pursuit of engineering excellence. Through mentorship, technical collaboration, and a shared passion for innovation, Perficient is helping to shape the future of automotive engineering, one race at a time.
For more information about Perficient’s expertise in the automotive sector and to follow the progress of these teams, visit the company’s website or connect on social media.
