UTAC Challenge
The UTAC Challenge is an annual international competition dedicated to innovation in the field of autonomous, sustainable and safer mobility. This event, organized under the auspices of the SIA (Société des Ingénieurs de l’Automobile), takes place on the excellent infrastructures of the TEQMO center, tracks dedicated to connected mobility, in Linas-Montlhéry, France. It is the first European challenge in a real environment, where students, startups, and experts collaborate to imagine the solutions of tomorrow.
The UTAC Challenge is distinguished by its varied technical challenges and its exceptional setting, offering a real playground for innovation in mobility. Participants, whether students or startups, have the opportunity to test and demonstrate their projects in conditions close to reality, thanks to the unique infrastructures of the TEQMO center in Linas-Montlhéry.
A realistic environment for innovative projects
The TEQMO center, designed to host advanced tests, offers a range of infrastructures adapted to the needs of the Challenge:
• Urban and peri-urban tracks: These circuits reproduce complex environments with roundabouts, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings, ideal for evaluating navigation and autonomous decision-making.
• Motorway track: Equipped with a tunnel and tolls, this section allows testing the ability of vehicles to adapt to fast and smooth driving conditions.
• Parking zone: A space dedicated to innovations in automated parking, allowing the validation of advanced functions such as “Valet Parking”.
• Dynamic zone: Designed for ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) tests and safety innovations, this zone allows the simulation of critical scenarios to evaluate the robustness of the proposed solutions.
A variety of technical challenges
The TEQMO center’s infrastructure is used in four main challenges that assess the innovation, performance, and feasibility of the projects:
• Automated urban route: Teams must demonstrate their vehicle’s ability to navigate in a complex urban environment, while respecting traffic rules.
• Automated highway route: This challenge tests the stability and precision of the systems on a fast road, with simulated obstacles.
• Automated parking test: The objective is to validate the precision of maneuvers and obstacle detection in a parking context.
• Free challenge: A space for expression for teams that wish to explore specific themes without the need to own a vehicle, such as connectivity, cybersecurity, or sustainable engines.
In order to guarantee a fair assessment and structure their approach, teams must provide several essential deliverables: an application file detailing their project and its objectives, as well as a final file summarizing the expected results, technical aspects, and key innovations.
These events, combined with cutting-edge infrastructure, provide a comprehensive framework to showcase talent and innovative ideas, while addressing current challenges in autonomous, sustainable and secure mobility.
Who is participating?
The Challenge is aimed at both engineering students and visionary startups. The latter present innovative projects related to autonomous mobility, alternative powertrains, cybersecurity or connected services. Participants are supported by experts and tutors from the SIA, thus strengthening the quality of the proposals and providing valuable technical support. This collaboration promotes the creation of solutions that are both bold and applicable to current industry challenges.
Why participate?
• Students: An opportunity to showcase their skills, get noticed by leading companies and obtain internships or jobs.
• Startups: A showcase to present their solutions and establish strategic partnerships.
• Sponsors: Increased visibility among promising talents and an international network of professionals. In 2024, the Challenge brought together more than 15 teams from Europe and welcomed 180 participants to the site.
This 5th edition, scheduled for May 2025, promises to take a new step forward with more participants, technological challenges and committed sponsors.
Join the UTAC Challenge and help shape the mobility of tomorrow!