QUT Motorsport

What QUT Motorsport does

QUT Motorsport is a student-run motorsport team operating out of the Queensland University of Technology's Gardens Point Campus in Brisbane, Australia, founded in 2003 and competing in the Formula SAE-A competition organized by Motorsport Australia. The team designs, engineers, builds, and markets successive generations of single-seat electric and autonomous race cars, progressing from a combustion series (QMX-I through III, Ozanne I through III, Scotty) into an electric lineage (QEV-1 through QEV-4 EVO, plus QEV-5 in development) and an autonomous conversion of the third-generation platform (QEV-3D / 'Lando'). Technically, the vehicles integrate a 600V high-voltage powertrain, in-hub motors with planetary gearboxes, a custom mode-decoupled suspension, a sub-20kg autoclave-manufactured carbon fibre monocoque, and an ROS 2-based autonomous driving stack supported by a custom telemetry application for CANbus data acquisition and visualization. The multidisciplinary team is organized into Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Business departments, with technical workflows built around SolidWorks CAD, ANSYS simulation, Altium PCB design, and ROS 2.

The team's business model is non-commercial: it is funded through institutional support from the QUT Engineering Faculty, QUT Centre for Robotics, and QUT Guild, supplemented by corporate sponsorships that are largely in-kind (software licenses, materials, manufacturing services, track access). No products or services are sold to customers, no pricing model exists, and there is no disclosed revenue. Its go-to-market is community-led, recruiting members annually during QUT's Welcome Week and engaging industry through an annual Industry Night event, social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube), and direct outreach via email and the website contact form. The principal outputs of the operation are competition results, an alumni placement pipeline into organizations including Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1, Triple Eight Race Engineering, Boeing Defence Australia, Gilmour Space, and Supercars teams, and brand recognition as the first Australian FSAE team to complete an AWD electric vehicle and the first to put an autonomous car on track.

Name

QUT Motorsport

Legal name

QUT Motorsport

Website

https://qutmotorsport.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

QUT Motorsport is a student-run Queensland University of Technology team that designs, builds, and races successive generations of single-seat electric and autonomous cars for the Formula SAE-A competition, funded by university support and corporate sponsors rather than commercial revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Motorsport Engineering

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing (3361)

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948)

akta.pro primary industry

Motorsports Teams & Entrants (Factory & Independent) (MPAKAGAB)

Keywords

• Motorsport engineering
• Electric race cars
• Autonomous vehicle systems
• Formula SAE racing
• Vehicle prototype design

Headquarters

HQ city

Brisbane

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel

Revenue model

1. University Funding: QUT provides facilities including the Design and Fabrication Research Facility, staff expertise, and institutional backing through the Engineering Faculty, QUT Centre for Robotics, and QUT Guild.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Financial and in-kind support from corporate partners including manufacturing services, software licenses, materials, and track access.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

QUT Motorsport is a student-run motorsport team that designs, engineers, builds, and races single-seat electric and autonomous race cars for the Formula SAE-A competition. The team operates from Queensland University of Technology's Gardens Point Campus in Brisbane, producing a new competition vehicle each year (QEV series) and integrating mechanical, electrical, software, and business disciplines across departments. The team's vehicles are supported by proprietary systems including a custom CANbus telemetry application, ROS 2-based autonomous navigation, and an in-hub motor drivetrain with carbon fibre monocoque chassis.

Product overview

QUT Motorsport is a student-run motorsport team that designs, engineers, builds, markets, and races single-seat electric and autonomous race cars for the Formula SAE-A competition. The product portfolio centers on successive generations of purpose-built racing vehicles: combustion cars (QMX-I through QMX-III, Ozanne I through Ozanne III, and Scotty) progressing to electric vehicles (QEV-1 through QEV-4 EVO, plus the autonomous QEV-3D/Lando). The vehicles are supported by proprietary software systems including the Telemetry application for CANbus data collection and visualization, ROS 2-based autonomous navigation, and custom wireless telemetry systems. The team competes in dynamic events including acceleration, skidpad, autocross, and endurance races.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• QEV-5

Quantifiable outcome

• First Australian FSAE team to complete an AWD electric vehicle
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered principal partner and team partner.

• Craig International Ballisticsprincipal partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading Australian manufacturer of combat-proven armour systems. Provides access to their autoclave for manufacturing the team's carbon fibre monocoque chassis. This partnership enables the team to build knowledge in composites and chassis design using professional-grade equipment.
• Altiumprincipal partnerTechnology or IntegrationIndustry-leading PCB design software provider. Their Altium Designer and Altium 365 platform enables the electrical team to design PCBs for monitoring and controlling electrical systems in both QEV-3D and QEV-4 vehicles.
• SolidCAMprincipal partnerTechnology or IntegrationWorld-leading CAM solutions provider with over 37 years of experience. Provides professional training using their software and key industry skills including post-processing training for CNC machine operations.
• Lakeside Parkprincipal partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerRaceway located north of Brisbane hosting national motorsport championships. Provides track and facilities access for testing and driver training, enabling the team to test systems across both vehicles in a safe, controlled environment at their driver training centre.
• SBG Systemsteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationDesigns and manufactures state-of-the-art inertial sensors including the Ellipse series. Provides precise vehicle tracking for both QEV-3D and QEV-4, with the autonomous team using their technologies for location pinpointing and trajectory tracking.
• Eastgate Engineeringteam partnerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFamily-owned repetition engineering company in Lytton, Brisbane specializing in CNC Machining, Turning and Milling. Provides manufacturing services and expertise that have transformed the team's designs into reality for QEV-3D and QEV-4.
• Connector-Tech ALSteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationAustralia's leading electrical connector supplier with almost 50 years of experience providing commercial and military harsh-environment connectors. Educates the team on industry practices for product selection, tooling, and assembly processes for electrical system design.
• Invicta Lithium Batteriesteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationLeading provider of high-quality LiFePO4 batteries. Provides 12V batteries for low-voltage systems in electric vehicles and 24V batteries for autonomous vehicle computers, with Bluetooth monitoring capability.
• PWR Advanced Cooling Technologyteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationRecognized world leader in high performance cooling solutions. Provides innovative cooling technology for the team's vehicles.
• RapidHarnessteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationProvides full lifecycle CAD solution for designing production-ready wire harness schematics. Enables the team to plan and design electrical connections between sensors and circuitry for safe vehicle operation and data logging.
• Bolt & Nut Australiateam partnerOthersOnline warehouse providing bolts, nuts, washers, drill bits, drivers, silicones, thread locker and more. Provides industry-leading discounts on bulk orders for vehicle assembly.
• ATL Compositesteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationLeading supplier of composites materials and engineering. Provided carbon fibre, core, and consumables for manufacturing the most advanced aerodynamics package, producing over 20% more downforce than previous iterations.
• TaylorMade Electronicsteam partnerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSpecializes in low volume PCB assembly including prototyping and batch services with quick turnaround. Provides expertise, facilities, time and labour for CMU and VCU production for QEV-3D and QEV-4.
• Laser Centralteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationBrisbane's premier metal processing company operating for over 20 years. Supports innovation and education projects by providing metal processing services.
• Colorcorpteam partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading provider of signage solutions and visual brand management in Australia with over four decades of history. Provides innovative and eco-friendly promotional materials including signage and decals.
• Nippon Performanceteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationIndependent motorcycle service centre specializing in high-performance servicing, fabrication, repairs, tuning, and machining of suspension parts for cars.
• Applied Racing Dynamicsteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationProvides racing dynamics expertise and components for vehicle performance optimization.
• Harding Performanceteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationPerformance automotive specialist providing high-quality components and support for vehicle development.
• HEL Performanceteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationSupplies brake lines and reservoirs for the vehicle. Their high-quality components ensure reliable and responsive braking systems for competition.
• Fischer Connectorsteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationProvides robust connectors designed for demanding conditions, supporting both high and low voltage wiring systems in the vehicle.
• KISSsoftteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationProvides design and simulation software for mechanical component analysis and optimization.
• Calm Aluminiumteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationSpecialises in sourcing and supply of high-quality aluminium for structural applications. Provides premium aluminium sheets for constructing various vehicle components.
• Marsen Energyteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationEnergy technology provider supporting the team's electrical systems and power requirements.
• Repcoteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationAutomotive parts supplier providing components and support for vehicle development.
• DK Engineering & Machiningteam partnerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering and machining services supporting component manufacturing and precision parts production.
• Accelerated Tool & Engineeringteam partnerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides tool and engineering services for manufacturing support.
• Ayresteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationProvides engineering technology solutions and support for vehicle development.
• Applied Industrial Technologiesteam partnerTechnology or IntegrationIndustrial technology provider supporting the team's technical requirements.
• Queensland University of Technologyprincipal partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince the team's formation in 2003, QUT has provided crucial support including industry-standard facilities such as the Design and Fabrication Research Facility, staff expertise, and backing from the Engineering Faculty, QUT Centre for Robotics, and QUT Guild.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Stanford Motorsports (FSG): Stanford University's Formula SAE team. Direct peer — top US student motorsport team building electric race cars; comparable in prestige, alumni placement pipeline, and access to elite industry sponsors.
• UTS Motorsport: University of Technology Sydney's FSAE-A team. Direct peer operating in the same Australian competition with a similar student-run, multidisciplinary electric race car program and corporate sponsorship model.
• GreenTeam Uni Stuttgart: University of Stuttgart's Formula Student Electric team. Direct peer — globally competitive student team pioneering high-voltage EV powertrains and autonomous systems; comparable technology ambition and industry visibility.
• Monash Motorsport: Monash University's Formula SAE-A team based in Melbourne. Direct peer — competing in the same FSAE-A competition calendar, operating a student-run electric and autonomous race car program with comparable structure and sponsor model.
• Redback Racing (UNSW): University of New South Wales's Formula SAE-A team. Direct Australian peer competing in the same regional competition with a comparable student engineering organization structure.
• Melbourne University Motorsport: University of Melbourne's FSAE-A team. Direct peer in the same Australian competition with similar student-run electric race car development and sponsorship-driven funding.
• MIT Motorsports: Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Formula SAE team. Direct peer — student-run electric and autonomous race car program competing at the highest global FSAE/Formula Student level; comparable in mission (talent development + EV/autonomy R&D) and scale of corporate sponsorship.

Others

• SAE International (SAE-A): Global professional association that formulates the Formula SAE/Formula Student competition standards. Ecosystem participant — defines the engineering rules, judging criteria, and event framework under which QUT Motorsport competes.
• Motorsport Australia: National sanctioning body for Australian motorsport including Formula SAE-A. Ecosystem participant — QUT Motorsport competes under Motorsport Australia sanction and receives awards (e.g., 2022 Inspiring Spirit Award) from this body.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@qutmotorsport39
• Facebookfacebook.com/QUTMotorsport
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/qut-motorsport
• Instagraminstagram.com/qut_motorsport
• Xx.com/QUTMotorsport

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about QUT Motorsport