Purdue Indianapolis launch proposal
A student-led Formula SAE team gives Purdue Indianapolis students a real engineering company in miniature: design, manufacturing, testing, funding, operations, and competition under one goal.
Why this club, why now
The city is surrounded by motorsports, advanced manufacturing, suppliers, fabrication talent, and students who want meaningful technical ownership. The club connects that ecosystem to Purdue's engineering culture.
Teams are judged on design, cost, presentation, acceleration, skidpad, autocross, endurance, and reliability. Sponsors fund a learning environment that looks and feels like a fast-moving product team.
Students leave with CAD, simulation, manufacturing, embedded systems, testing, procurement, leadership, public speaking, and sponsor relations experience that translates directly into industry.
Mission
The founding team will recruit across engineering, technology, business, design, and computer science to build a competitive combustion or hybrid-ready Formula SAE platform while developing the operating discipline needed to keep the club alive year after year.
Proposed planning budget
These estimates are a launch model for investor conversations. They can be tightened once shop access, donated materials, and Purdue support are confirmed.
Designed to cover tools, safety, chassis and powertrain development, electronics, testing, travel, competition fees, and member training.
Where sponsorship goes
Chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, powertrain, aero research, wheels, tires, and spares.
38%Tube notching, welding supplies, composites, machining, jigs, inspection, and consumables.
24%PPE, fire safety, data acquisition, sensors, test days, maintenance, and compliance prep.
18%Competition registration, travel, trailer support, events, branding, outreach, and recruiting.
20%Four-year path to the grid
Form leadership, recruit 40+ members, secure advisor support, finalize shop access, define vehicle architecture, and complete safety training.
Build rolling chassis, validate suspension geometry, bench-test powertrain and electronics, publish first sponsor report, and begin driver training.
Complete first race-ready car, pass internal tech inspection, run full-system test days, complete cost report and presentation rehearsals.
Enter a Formula SAE event, prioritize finishing endurance, document lessons, and begin the second car with a stronger sponsor base and trained underclassmen.
Competition target
Formula SAE is intentionally not just a lap-time contest. The team must defend design decisions, understand manufacturing cost, pitch the vehicle as a product, and prove the car can survive dynamic events.
Sponsor value
Meet students who have already worked through deadlines, ambiguity, fabrication constraints, and technical reviews.
Sponsor recognition on the website, car livery, team apparel, presentations, outreach events, and launch showcases.
Host shop tours, design reviews, manufacturing clinics, test days, and mentoring sessions tied to real deliverables.
Help Purdue Indianapolis students turn classroom theory into a working vehicle that represents the city on a national stage.
Founding partner ask
Founding team
Purdue Indianapolis Formula SAE is being started by students ready to turn the idea into a real engineering organization, sponsor pitch, and competition program.
Co-Founder
Co-Founder
Co-Founder