The Challenge

Energy Systems Network (ESN), an Indianapolis-based non-profit and a branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and CICP Foundation, Inc. (CICP Foundation), is the organizer of the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC). The IAC is a broadly collaborative effort that brings together public-private partnerships and academic institutions to challenge university students around the world to imagine, invent and prove a new generation of automated vehicle software to run fully autonomous racecars and inspire the next generation of STEM talent.

The IAC taps into prize competitions’ which have a long track record of focusing minds and leveraging competing teams and other third-party contributions to overcome complex challenges. In particular, the IAC is inspired and advised by innovators who competed in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Grand Challenge, which put forth a $1 million award in 2004 that created the modern automated vehicle industry. Moreover, given its heavy presence of university-affiliated teams, the DARPA Grand Challenge inspired an entire generation of students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

A primary goal of the IAC is to advance technology that can speed the commercialization of fully autonomous vehicles and deployments of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These enhancements will lead to increased safety and performance in all modes of motorsports and commercial transportation. In addition, the competition is a platform for students to excel in STEM.

The first history making IAC was held on Oct. 23, 2021 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where 21 universities from 9 countries forming 9 teams competed for the $1 million grand prize. TUM Autonomous Motorsport – Technische Universität München (Germany) took home the top prize.

Addressing Real-World Issues

Beyond improving safety and vehicle performance, the IAC seeks to help overcome three prominent barriers to automated vehicle (AV) commercialization:

1. Solving “edge case” scenarios – Problems or situations that occur only at an extreme operating parameter, such as avoiding unanticipated obstacles at high speeds while maintaining vehicular control, need to be addressed to ensure safety across all operating environments;

2. Catalyzing new AV technologies and innovators – Automated vehicles are too expensive for scaled commercial deployment, and automakers and tech companies are seeking sources of new intellectual property (IP) and qualified engineers and software developers; and

3. Engaging the public to help ensure acceptance and use of AV technologies – Increased experience with and exposure to AVs can help facilitate an understanding of them and their potential.Advisors

Advisors

The IAC is advised by experts in the fields of automotive engineering, automated vehicles, robotics, education, entrepreneurship and auto racing.