Partnership for the Future of Mobility
Perficient, Partnerships a leading global digital consultancy that works with the world’s largest enterprises and most recognizable brands, has announced an expansion of its “Electrifying the Future of Automotive” program. This initiative now supports 12 Formula SAE and Formula Student teams from prestigious universities in the United States and Romania. By partnering with collegiate teams competing in these programs, Perficient continues its commitment to fostering innovation in automotive engineering. Formula SAE and Formula Student empower college students to design and build formula-style race cars, pushing the boundaries of vehicle technology and performance while paving the way for future industry advancements.
Driving Innovation Through Collegiate Partnerships
Each year, Formula SAE and Formula Student competitions challenge university teams to engineer high-performance race cars, testing their capabilities against peers from around the world. Through Perficient’s support, these teams gain valuable resources, insights, and mentorship to refine their designs and maximize performance. Perficient’s engagement extends beyond financial support, as its experts actively collaborate with students, sharing real-world industry perspectives, discussing career opportunities, providing facility tours, and offering encouragement at competitions.
The universities represented in Perficient’s expanded program include:
- 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
By integrating these student teams into its program, Perficient continues to invest in the next generation of automotive engineers and digital transformation leaders. “These Formula SAE and Formula Student teams are helping drive the future of the automotive industry, and we’re thrilled to deepen our investment in their programs,” said Justin Huckins, director of digital strategy and automotive industry lead at Perficient. “Our ongoing partnership with these teams demonstrates our continued commitment to innovation within automotive engineering. We can’t wait to see what happens this season!”
Shaping the Future of Automotive Engineering
The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, with manufacturers and suppliers adopting new and diverse approaches to vehicle development. Many of the teams supported by Perficient compete in the internal combustion engine (ICE) category while simultaneously exploring alternative energy solutions, such as electric vehicles (EVs). With a growing emphasis on sustainability and cutting-edge technology, several teams are pivoting toward electric racing, reflecting industry-wide trends toward electrification.
One such team making a significant shift is Formula Buckeyes from The Ohio State University. After securing three first-place finishes in ICE competitions during the 2024 season, the team is now transitioning entirely to the EV category. This move underscores a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and high-performance engineering.
“With a legacy of pushing technical boundaries, the shift to EV represents the Formula Buckeyes team’s dedication to cutting-edge design and environmental responsibility,” said a Formula Buckeyes 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 state-of-the-art electric racecar. This transition is not just about a new powertrain—it’s an opportunity to redefine what’s possible in collegiate motorsports and prepare for the future of the automotive industry.”
Perficient’s Role in the Automotive Industry
Perficient is a trusted partner to seven of the world’s top 10 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and works extensively with suppliers, dealerships, and emerging mobility companies. Through its automotive industry expertise, Perficient champions a digital-first, customer-driven approach to innovation. Whether focusing on connected vehicles, electrification, or omnichannel commerce, Perficient provides insights and solutions that help shape the future of mobility.
At the recent Reuters Automotive USA tradeshow, Perficient presented research findings on connected products and how they are transforming customer expectations. The company’s experts highlighted how connected vehicles and advanced digital technologies are providing a roadmap for OEMs and suppliers to anticipate and meet evolving demands. Previously, Perficient published extensive research on the electric vehicle market, outlining key opportunities for legacy automakers and dealers to enhance the customer experience and accelerate EV adoption.
A Commitment to Engineering Excellence
Perficient’s continued investment in Formula SAE and Formula Student programs aligns with its broader vision of supporting engineering excellence and technological innovation. By empowering student teams with mentorship, industry insights, and exposure to real-world automotive challenges, Perficient is helping to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. As the 2025 season unfolds, the company looks forward to celebrating the achievements of these talented teams and witnessing the groundbreaking advancements they bring to motorsports and automotive engineering.
As Formula SAE and Formula Student teams push the limits of vehicle design and performance, Perficient remains a dedicated partner in their journey. Whether through technological advancements in ICE racing or pioneering developments in EVs, the collaboration between Perficient and these collegiate teams underscores a shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and the future of mobility.
