"The talented students of our Formula Student teams have done an excellent job, and we have been able to support numerous new and ongoing developments with our developer support and components. Many innovative ideas emerged during the competition that we will need in the future as a society and in the business world. Through the Formula Student competition, we can also establish valuable connections with dedicated students and position ourselves as an attractive employer - a true win-win situation."

This quote from Alexander Gerfer, the CTO of Würth Elektronik eiSos Group, along with a significant grand event, provides a compelling reason to acknowledge our longstanding commitment. Currently, in cooperation with Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, we supported the Formula Student Germany competition, which took place from August 14th to August 20th, 2023, at the Hockenheimring. This competition featured 100 teams, consisting of more than 3,000 students from various parts of the world.

Supporting such an event is unquestionably commendable, but our commitment goes far beyond that. Out of the 50 participating German Formula Student teams, an impressive 33 received substantial support from our University Marketing Managers throughout their entire development process. This support extended not only to the provision of inductors, connectors, and EMC materials but also included comprehensive training, some of which has been offered over many years.

While the final race may be a central part of the competition, at its core, Formula Student is primarily a design competition. It emphasizes the conception, manufacturing, and economic presentation of a prototype. Originally focused on gasoline-powered race cars (Formula Student Combustion - FSC), the focus has now shifted primarily to electric vehicles (Formula Student Electric - FSE) and autonomous driving (Formula Student Driverless - FSD).

We typically assist teams by providing sample components. Many of our products, including MagI³C power modules, LEDs, transformers, ceramic chip capacitors, cable lugs, and REDCUBE high-current elements, are typically used in the racing cars. Teams work tirelessly throughout the year in preparation for the competitions, aiming to deliver peak performance during critical moments. Unexpected situations arise, components break, and parts fall off. This is where we step in, providing on-site expertise, spare parts, tools, and a soldering station. In doing so, we have been able to ease the nerves of some teams and help them get to the starting line.

Throughout the year, we support aspiring engineers with a range of lectures, workshops, and exchange platforms, such as a guest lecture on EMC fundamentals or a soldering workshop. Furthermore, we provide laboratory spaces. Our training is tailored to the specific information needs of each development team. Students use this opportunity to receive concrete advice from our experts on design issues related to printed circuit boards and other aspects of the development process.

In the words of CTO Alexander Gerfer, this is indeed a true win-win situation. It is highly motivating to support dedicated students in their development process while also having the assurance of getting to know promising potential colleagues for the future and convincing potential customers of our products.

Watch a video about Formula Student.