Indy Autonomous Challenge will join the Autoware Foundation to Champion Global Student Access in Autonomous Mobility

With a shared vision of democratizing the development of autonomous technology across the globe, the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) becomes a member of the Autoware Foundation.

The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) is proud to announce it will become a member of the Autoware Foundation, marking a significant step towards empowering students around the world in the field of autonomous mobility. This partnership highlights a commitment to supporting the platforms that make advanced technology accessible and fostering an environment where the next generation of engineers can innovate and excel.

Paul Mitchell, CEO of the Indy Autonomous Challenge, underscores the essence of this collaboration. "Our partnership with the Autoware Foundation is a cornerstone in our mission to open up the world of autonomous mobility to students globally," he states. "By leveraging the Autoware Foundation's open-source platform, we're providing an unparalleled opportunity for hands-on learning and development. The use of our AV-21 vehicle dynamics in their simulation platform is just one aspect of this; the real story here is about breaking down barriers and empowering talent from all corners of the world."

This sentiment is echoed by Samet Kütük, a Board Member of the Autoware Foundation. "The open-source nature of our platform is what makes this partnership so impactful," Kütük explains. "t ensures that our collaborative efforts with the Indy Autonomous Challenge are genuinely accessible to anyone, anywhere. We're not just hosting a competition; we're cultivating a global community of innovators and problem-solvers."

The collaboration between the IAC and the Autoware Foundation has already borne fruit in the form of the SIM Race: an AI driver competition utilizing the integrated AV-21 dynamics and the open-source simulation platform of the Autoware Foundation. The results of this competition, showcasing the ingenuity and dedication of participating students, were presented at the IAC booth at CES 2024.

As 2024 unfolds, both the IAC and the Autoware Foundation are enthusiastic about continuing their collaboration. “Our renewed commitment is more than just a partnership; it's a pledge to keep the field of autonomous technology vibrant, inclusive, and accessible," Mitchell adds.

Kütük also highlights the future prospects of this partnership. "As we move forward, we're excited about the potential of our open-source platform to enable even more groundbreaking projects and initiatives. Together with the IAC, we're setting a precedent for accessibility and innovation in the world of autonomous mobility."