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A service for airline industry professionals · Saturday, January 4, 2025 · 774,081,237 Articles · 3+ Million Readers

e29 iGNITE Initiative Fuels Innovation with UF Solar Gators

Empowering Innovation and Collaboration "e29 iGNITE"

This collaboration underscores the exceptional innovation and talent within one of the nation’s leading engineering programs while building strong relationships with technology partners...”
— Bill Cassidy, President & CEO

TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES, January 1, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- ELEMENT 29 is proud to partner with the University of Florida’s College of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Solar Gators Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, as part of its recent "e29 iGNITE" initiative.

The Solar Gators, a student-led team at the University of Florida, apply advanced engineering to design, build, and race solar-powered vehicles, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy and showcasing innovation.

Passionate about advancing sustainable technology, they inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators through their participation in the prestigious Formula Sun Grand Prix.

Established in 2016, are a 100% student-run team dedicated to designing, building, and racing solar-powered vehicles. The team participates in national competitions such as the Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) and the American Solar Challenge (ASC), showcasing cutting-edge engineering and teamwork.

e29 iGNITE: Empowering Innovation and Engineering Excellence

The e29 iGNITE initiative serves as a comprehensive platform to connect academic programs like the Solar Gators with real-world applications. By focusing on Innovation, Growth, and Networking in Industry and Technology Education, ELEMENT 29 ensures participants are equipped to tackle industry challenges effectively through impactful mentorship, access to advanced resources, and hands-on learning opportunities.

“Having the privilege to participate as both a monetary and technology partner sponsor in programs of this caliber serves to advance innovation and equip students with the critical tools and knowledge they require to excel in STEM fields," said Bill Cassidy, President & CEO of ELEMENT 29.

Read the full interview with the Solar Gators team here.

Through hard work and dedication, the Solar Gators have achieved remarkable advancements:

-Transitioned from traditional metal chassis designs to a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis, reducing chassis weight by approximately 50%.

-Developed a high-efficiency solar energy system with 25% efficient monocrystalline silicon solar cells and advanced battery management systems, enabling better energy capture and storage.

-Integrate cutting-edge automotive technologies such as cellular telemetry for real-time data monitoring and automotive ethernet to improve communication between systems and reduce wiring complexity.

These innovations exemplify the team’s commitment to sustainability and technical excellence. Their impressive achievements include:

-Winning 1st place at the 2023 Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) by completing 707.5 miles on track.

-Competing in the Formula Sun Grand Prix six times since 2016 and securing a spot in the 2024 American Solar Challenge (ASC).

-Winning the 2024 Altair Challenge, earning a grand prize of $10,000 by achieving an 81% weight reduction in their vehicle.

The team at ELEMENT 29 encourages other community partners to join in supporting local organizations within the STEM field. Together, we can provide students with the tools and resources they need to thrive, inspire future leaders, and drive meaningful change.

For more information about the Solar Gators and their innovative work, visit their website at ufsolargators.org.

About e29 iGNITE
The e29 iGNITE initiative (Innovation, Growth, and Networking in Industry and Technology Education) bridges academic programs with practical applications, offering mentorship, advanced resources, and hands-on opportunities to students. Through partnerships with universities, technology providers, and industry leaders, ELEMENT 29 fosters innovation, strengthens regional collaborations, and prepares participants for competitive careers in engineering and technology.

About ELEMENT 29
Based in Tampa, Florida, ELEMENT 29 specializes in systems integration and engineering solutions for industrial, commercial, and renewable energy sectors. With a proven track record of success, ELEMENT 29 is committed to fostering innovation and sustainability through partnerships with academic institutions and groundbreaking projects.

Bill Cassidy
ELEMENT 29
+1 813-279-1898
email us here
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UF Innovate's Bethany Gaffey interviews Isabella Lucarelli, Vice President of the UF student organization Solar Gators

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