An enterprising group of Ulster Engineering students have successfully raised just over the £2,000 required, through Ulster Uni Crowdfunding, to enable them to enter the Greenpower Formula 24+ Challenge.
This successful crowdfunding campaign means they can bring their project to design and manufacture stage and race an electric powered car.
IET Formula 24+ is geared towards sixth forms, colleges, universities and apprentices to boost career and educational opportunities in STEM subjects and to give student teams the opportunity to design, build and race an electric car at Greenpower events culminating in the IET Formula 24+ Championship.
A group of second year students, studying Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering or Renewable Energy Engineering at Magee, have a real passion for design, manufacturing and advancements in technology, with the overall objective being to win the regional qualifying heat based in Kirkistown racing circuit (Co. Down). Finishing in the top three would result in entry to the Greenpower final.
The money raised from the crowdfunding scheme will help fund the entry fee for the Greenpower challenge, in addition to the materials and components required to build the Formula 24+ car. It will also help towards the logistics required to transport the car from the work space at Magee campus, to the qualifying Northern Ireland heat and the final UK-wide heat.
Paul Doherty, project creator and student of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, explained:
We were delighted to be the first Ulster Uni Crowdfunding project and are so proud to have successfully reached our target. We are certain this project will greatly benefit Ulster University, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, and all the student team members involved in the project, as by entering the Greenpower challenge, it will raise the profile of our University and our Faculty with the vision of ‘engineering for a sustainable future’.We have all enjoyed the experience of crowdfunding on Ulster Uni Crowdfunding and have learned a lot of new skills, like how to market our project via social media and to companies, how to make a promotional video and provide updates for donors.
Kathy Morrow, Development and Alumni Relations Office, explains:
The Magee engineering students’ Greenpower 24+ project was the perfect fit for our new Ulster Uni Crowdfunding as it reflects the energy, innovation, ambition and commitment of these students to making this a success. Raising funds via this platform has allowed the team members to make the project viable and also ensure a more prominent social media presence which has helped spread news of the project and encouraged support from a wider audience. Crowdfunding offers a rewarding way for alumni, family and friends to encourage a student initiative and for business and other donors to see first-hand the talent emerging into the market place.
View details of the crowdfunding Magee Greenpower 24+ project.
Also check out facebook.com/MageeRacing or email mageeracing@outlook.com