Formula Route UFSCar

Introduction:

The UFSCar Formula Route represents the cutting edge of practical engineering and innovation at one of Brazil's most prestigious higher education institutions. As an extracurricular extension project of the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), an institution with over 50 years of history in training world-renowned professionals, the team embodies the application of theoretical knowledge in one of the most prestigious engineering competitions in the world, Formula SAE. This competition is not just a race, but a complete exercise in engineering, project management, and business feasibility, preparing the next generation of leaders in the mobility industry and engineering in general.

However, the history of Formula Route UFSCar transcends that of a simple academic project. It is a narrative of resilience, determination, and rebirth. After a seven-year hiatus that left the team off the track and out of competition, a new group of students took the lead at a decisive moment, with the mission of rebuilding the project from its foundations. What followed was a transformative journey that culminated in what many considered impossible: the team's triumphant return to competition with the UFS-01, the first car to compete in almost a decade, built in a record time of eight months, reflecting great determination and willpower. PCBWay will be one of our catalysts for reaching the next level of performance and innovation, solidifying the team's place among the best in Brazil and, eventually, the world.

The Rebirth of a Competitor:

The return of Formula Route UFSCar to the tracks was not a coincidence, but the result of strategic restructuring and professional management that transformed a dream into a viable and highly successful project. The first and most crucial decision was to redesign the team's culture and structure. Dedicated and professionalized departments were created, including Human Resources (HR) and Finance. This approach ensured long-term stability, efficient resource management, and, most importantly, the creation of an environment where technical talent could flourish.

With a new structure in place, the next challenge was to unite and motivate a team of 44 members around a common goal. This cohesion and shared purpose were fundamental in tackling the monumental task of convincing companies to believe in a project that was starting from scratch. The team's ability to attract major corporate sponsors, even before having a functional car, is the greatest testament to its business plan and vision.

With a solid plan in hand, Formula Route UFSCar secured the support of industry giants such as Ansys, SolidWorks, FanTR, AG Componentes Racing, and TEKBOND Saint-Gobain. This support, combined with grassroots initiatives, resulted in a 70-fold increase in the team's cash flow, with a historic R$70,000 raised for the construction of the vehicle. This capital not only financed the prototype, but also served as powerful social proof, demonstrating that the industry believed in the team's vision and execution capabilities. 

In addition to financial partnerships, we also created a partnership with the Society of Women in Engineering (SWE) to create a more pleasant and healthy environment for the women on the team, as well as to encourage more women to join the project.

A Partnership for Innovation with PCBWay:

Access to high-quality printed circuit boards with fast turnaround times is the critical catalyst the team needs for its next phase of development. The partnership with PCBWay would allow Formula Route UFSCar to iterate on its electronic designs at unprecedented speed, efficiently testing and validating new ideas. This would not only dramatically improve the vehicle's reliability and performance, but also provide the 44 team members with invaluable hands-on experience with the complete cycle of professional-grade electronics design and manufacturing.

A collaboration between Formula Route UFSCar and PCBWay offers a clear and mutually beneficial value proposition. For the team, it means access to world-class manufacturing technology, enabling them to build a smarter (thanks to telemetry technologies) and more competitive car. For PCBWay, the partnership offers much more than simply placing a logo on a car. It offers a powerful success story, rooted in resilience and innovation, perfect for highlighting on its sponsorship page and social media, resonating with a global community of engineers and enthusiasts.