PolSl Racing

What PolSl Racing does

PolSl Racing is a non-profit student scientific club (Studenckie Koło Naukowe) at Politechnika Śląska in Gliwice, Poland, founded in 2013 to design, build, and race Formula Student vehicles across European competitions. The team's product portfolio spans two combustion race cars (SW-01, SW-02) and three electric race cars (SW-03e 'Kurento', SW-04e, SW-05e 'Antares', SW-05EVO), as well as two electric motorcycles (MC-01e, MC-02e 'Elektra 2'). Core engineering capabilities include a proprietary in-house master-slave Battery Management System architecture built on BQ79616 ICs and STM32 controllers, dual-motor torque-vectoring drivetrains delivering up to 120 kW, advanced aerodynamic packages featuring CFD-optimized Venturi tunnels and a DRS-inspired drag reduction system achieving 600 N downforce at 20 m/s, motorsport-standard MIL-SPEC wiring harnesses, real-time CAN-bus telemetry, and a racing simulator with physiological monitoring co-developed with the University of Silesia. The team is organized into six subteams (Chassis, Suspension, Aerodynamics, Composites, Electrical, M&O&S) and operates under continuous faculty supervision led by Scientific Supervisor Dr. hab. inż. Mirosław Szczepanik.

The organization has no commercial revenue model. It is entirely funded through sponsorships and in-kind contributions from more than 40 corporate partners — anchored by main partner Tauron Polska Energia and key technology partners including Ansys, KISSsoft, BMZ, DANA, SKF, Igus, Magna, Draexlmaier, and 3M — together with institutional support from Politechnika Śląska (workshop facilities, faculty mentorship, access to three engineering faculties) and government co-funding from the Polish Ministry of Education. Two customer segments are served: university students who gain hands-on engineering experience across vehicle design, CFD simulation, composite manufacturing, electronics, and motorsport competition; and corporate sponsors that access a pipeline of industry-trained engineering graduates and gain brand visibility at competitions and science festivals.

Competitive positioning rests on a decade-plus track record of podium finishes at European Formula Student events since 2017, including 2nd place at Formula Student Romania 2025 in the EV category and 4th place at Formula Student Poland 2025 as the best-performing Polish team. Recent strategic emphasis has shifted toward the SW-05EVO evolution of the electric platform and the diversification into electric motorcycles, signaling continued engineering maturation rather than commercialization. As a collegiate entity with annual leadership turnover and grant-based funding, the organization's growth is structurally bounded by its non-profit status and student lifecycle.

Name

PolSl Racing

Legal name

SKN Polsl Racing

Website

https://racing.polsl.pl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PolSl Racing is a non-profit student scientific club at Politechnika Śląska in Gliwice, Poland, founded in 2013, that designs and races electric and combustion Formula Student vehicles and electric motorcycles in European competitions, funded by 40+ corporate sponsors and university support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Formula Student Race Cars

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211)

SIC

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)

akta.pro primary industry

Motorsports Support & Feeder Series (Developmental Championships) (MPAKAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Electric Motorcycles & Electric Scooters Manufacturing (IMACAEAB), Powersports Powertrain & Drivetrain Manufacturing (Engines/Transmissions/Final Drive) (IMACAEAJ), Formation, Testing & Quality/Metrology Equipment for Batteries (EUAFABAK)

Keywords

• Electric race cars
• Formula Student vehicles
• Student motorsport team
• Composite vehicle manufacturing
• Battery management systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Gliwice

HQ country

Poland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Sponsorship and Partnership Funding: PolSl Racing is entirely funded through sponsorships, partnerships, and institutional support. Over 40 partner companies provide financial contributions and in-kind support (materials, software, components) that enable the design, construction, and competition of Formula Student vehicles.
2. University Institutional Support: Politechnika Śląska provides institutional support including workshop facilities, garage space, faculty mentorship, and operational resources. The team also received funding through the 'Inicjatywa Doskonałości – Uczelnia Badawcza' research excellence initiative.
3. Government and Ministry Funding: Funding from the Polish Ministry of Education as part of student scientific club development programs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

PolSl Racing is a student scientific club at Politechnika Śląska in Gliwice, Poland that designs, manufactures, and races Formula Student electric and combustion race cars plus electric motorcycles for European competitions. Their work spans in-house battery management systems, aerodynamic packages, composite bodywork, and telemetry, developed by an interdisciplinary student team across chassis, suspension, aerodynamics, composites, electrical, and management subteams.

Product overview

PolSl Racing is a student racing team at Silesian University of Technology (Politechnika Śląska) in Gliwice, Poland. The team develops race cars and electric motorcycles for Formula Student competitions across Europe. Their product portfolio includes seven vehicles: five race cars (SW-01 through SW-05EVO, with SW-01/SW-02 being combustion-engine and SW-03e through SW-05EVO being electric) and two electric motorcycles (MC-01e and MC-02e "Elektra 2"). The vehicles feature advanced technologies including custom battery management systems, carbon fiber composites, aerodynamic packages with CFD optimization, and telemetry systems. The team operates across six sub-teams: Chassis, Suspension, Aerodynamics, Composites, Electrical, and Marketing/Organization/Sponsoring.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SW-05EVO The 2025 season electric race car, the most decorated in team history. Features advanced aerodynamics, improved battery system with custom BMS architecture, and dual rear motors producing 50 kW continuous power.
• SW-05e "Antares" Fifth race car built by PolSl Racing and third with electric drive. Equipped with dual electric motors producing combined 150 HP (80 kW continuous), enabling 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds with 130 km/h top speed. Achieves 600N downforce at 20 m/s via aerodynamic package including Venturi tunnels, vertical deflectors, and a Drag Reduction System inspired by Formula 1.
• SW-04e Electric race car with dual motors producing 120 kW combined power, 6.5 kWh battery capacity, and 274 kg mass. Features torque vectoring and advanced planetary gearboxes with 4.25 ratio. Achieved 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds with electronic differential.
• SW-03e "Kurento" Team's first electric race car, featuring dual motors with combined 110 kW power output, 8.08 kWh battery, and custom BMS and high-voltage battery system. Includes DRS system inspired by Formula 1.
• MC-02e "Elektra 2" Second electric motorcycle celebrating team's 10th anniversary. Features 8 kW motor, 48V 60Ah battery (8 kWh), 4.5 second 0-100 km/h acceleration, 120 km/h top speed, and 120 kg mass. Available in Supermoto and Enduro configurations.
• SW-02 Second generation race car with Honda CBR 600 RR engine (599cc), 96 HP, achieving 180 km/h top speed and 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds. Features full aerodynamic package with carbon fiber composites.
• SW-01 Team's first fully functional race car, powered by Honda CB600F engine (599cc) producing 75 HP. Weighs 280 kg with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds. Featured carbon fiber/epoxy composite bodywork weighing approximately 13 kg.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2nd place overall in EV category at Formula Student Romania 2025
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key partner and supporting.

• Politechnika Śląska (Silesian University of Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe team's parent institution. Provides workshop facilities, garage spaces, faculty mentorship, institutional funding, and access to university resources. The team's headquarters are located at the university's Wrocławska 2A campus in Gliwice.
• DANAkey partnerTechnology or IntegrationDANA is a global leader in drivetrain, sealing, and electro-mechanical technologies for vehicle manufacturers. Provides components and technical expertise for the team's drivetrain and suspension systems.
• KISSsoftkey partnerTechnology or IntegrationKISSsoft provides engineering software for power transmission component design, used by the team for gearbox and drivetrain component analysis and optimization.
• Ansyskey partnerTechnology or IntegrationAnsys provides simulation software used by the team for CFD aerodynamic analysis, structural FEA, and multiphysics simulations across all vehicle subsystems.
• Łukasiewicz – Instytut Spawalnictwa (Institute of Welding)key partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides advanced welding and materials technology expertise, supporting the team's frame construction and composite manufacturing processes with specialized technical knowledge.
• SKFkey partnerTechnology or IntegrationSKF provides bearing solutions and related components for the team's drivetrain and wheel assemblies, supporting precision motion and reduced friction in racing applications.
• Iguskey partnerTechnology or IntegrationIgus supplies polymer bearings, cable carriers, and energy chain systems used throughout the vehicle for low-friction motion and reliable cable management in racing conditions.
• BMZ Groupkey partnerTechnology or IntegrationBMZ is a global lithium-ion battery system manufacturer that likely supplies battery cells and systems for the team's electric vehicle projects.
• 3Mkey partnerTechnology or Integration3M provides adhesive technologies, abrasives, and specialty materials used in composite manufacturing and vehicle assembly processes.
• Froniuskey partnerTechnology or IntegrationFronius provides welding equipment and technology used in frame construction and composite tooling processes.
• Fiberlogykey partnerTechnology or IntegrationFiberlogy supplies 3D printing materials and filaments used for prototyping and tooling in the vehicle development process.
• Samorząd Studencki Politechniki ŚląskiejcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Student Government of Politechnika Śląska provides organizational support, venue access for events, and recognition through the annual Zębatki awards gala.
• Zukenkey partnerTechnology or IntegrationZuken provides E-CAD/PCB design software used for electronic circuit design and the development of custom electronic control units and BMS boards.
• Główny Instytut Górnictwa (Main Mining Institute)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides research collaboration and access to specialized testing facilities for materials and structural analysis.
• Rapid HarnesssupportingTechnology or IntegrationLikely provides wiring harness design tools or manufacturing support for the team's complex 140-meter electrical harness systems.
• AutoSocksupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides traction and vehicle accessory solutions potentially used for testing and development activities.
• Magnakey partnerTechnology or IntegrationMagna is a global automotive technology company and one of the largest vehicle suppliers in the world, providing components and engineering expertise for automotive applications.
• Draexlmaierkey partnerTechnology or IntegrationDraexlmaier is a Tier 1 automotive supplier specializing in wiring harness systems and electrical distribution solutions for vehicle manufacturers.
• JBC Soldering S.L.supportingTechnology or IntegrationJBC provides soldering equipment used for PCB assembly and electronics manufacturing by the team's electrical subsystem.
• Michael (Michael-System)supportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides technical systems and solutions supporting vehicle manufacturing and testing operations.
• MescosupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides technical services and solutions supporting manufacturing and engineering processes.
• RacemandsupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides technical solutions and expertise in motorsport engineering support.
• SobprojektsupportingTechnology or IntegrationEngineering design and project support services.
• TME (Transfer Multisort Elektronik)key partnerTechnology or IntegrationDistributes electronic components and electromechanical parts used throughout the vehicle's electrical systems, sensors, and control electronics.
• DesignsurfsupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides CAD design and engineering surfacing solutions.
• CzekałasupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides weighing solutions for vehicle weight optimization and testing.
• zkznetsupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides networking and IT solutions supporting team communications and data infrastructure.
• DPS (DPS Software)supportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides CAD/CAE software solutions for engineering design and simulation.
• FrezamentbissupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides CNC machining and fabrication services for custom components.
• PrimakolorsupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides painting and color finishing services for vehicle bodywork and composites.
• CLsupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides industrial components and solutions supporting vehicle manufacturing.
• RotametrsupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides measurement and flow instrumentation used in testing and cooling system validation.
• Politechnika Śląska – Wydział Mechaniczny Technologiczny (Faculty of Mechanical Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaculty provides academic supervision, laboratory facilities, and technical support for vehicle engineering projects.
• Politechnika Śląska – Wydział Elektryczny (Faculty of Electrical Engineering)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaculty provides expertise and facilities for electric powertrain, battery systems, and electronics development.
• Politechnika Śląska – Wydział Inżynierii Materiałowej (Faculty of Materials Engineering)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaculty supports composite materials development and materials science research for vehicle bodywork.
• Uniwersytet Śląski (University of Silesia)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on the driver training simulator project, conducting physiological parameter monitoring research with team drivers in simulated racing conditions using Assetto Corsa.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• AMZ Racing: ETH Zurich's Formula Student team, a consistent top finisher in European FS EV competitions. Directly comparable as a Swiss peer institution producing high-performance electric race cars with custom powertrains and battery systems under faculty supervision.
• KA-RaceIng: KIT Karlsruhe's Formula Student team, a leading German EV entrant. Directly comparable due to similar multi-year electric vehicle development, complex powertrain engineering, and recurring European FS competition presence.
• DUT Racing: Formula Student EV team from TU Delft, one of Europe's top-performing and most established student racing teams. Directly comparable as a multi-vehicle EV program with proprietary technology development and major corporate sponsorship ecosystem, competing in the same Formula Student Europe circuit.
• PUT Motorsport: Warsaw University of Technology's Formula Student team, the most prominent Polish peer institution to PolSl Racing. Comparable as a competing Polish EV racing team vying for the same domestic sponsors, Ministry of Education funding, and competition slots.
• TUfast Racing Team: Technical University of Munich's Formula Student team, a top-tier European competitor in both combustion and EV classes. Directly comparable as a Munich-based student team with strong automotive industry partner network and consistent FS podium results.
• GreenTeam Uni Stuttgart: University of Stuttgart's Formula Student Electric team, notable for being one of the first European teams fully committed to electric drivetrains. Directly comparable as a German peer operating in the same FS EV category with strong industrial sponsorship.
• AGH Racing: AGH University of Science and Technology (Krakow) Formula Student team. Comparable as another major Polish technical university EV racing team that competes with PolSl Racing for national visibility, student recruitment, and industrial sponsors.
• PoliMOVE: Politecnico di Milano's motorsport team spanning Formula Student and autonomous driving competitions. Directly comparable as an Italian technical university team developing electric race vehicles with corporate partnership models similar to PolSl Racing's.

Others

• SAE International: Global professional association that owns the Formula SAE/Formula Student ruleset governing PolSl Racing's competitions. Comparable as the upstream standards body whose engineering and safety rules dictate PolSl Racing's vehicle architecture, BMS requirements, and inspection processes.
• Formula Student Germany: Organizer of Europe's largest Formula Student competition held at Hockenheim. Comparable as the event ecosystem in which PolSl Racing competes, providing the rules framework, judging infrastructure, and competitive context for the team's annual performance trajectory.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PolSlRacing
• Instagraminstagram.com/polslracing
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/polslracing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 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 PolSl Racing