As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and social responsibility, the University of Szeged will continue to support Ádám Szabó, one of Hungary’s emerging talents in electric go-kart racing. The young driver will begin his studies at the University’s Faculty of Engineering in September, marking a new chapter in a partnership launched during the 2025 racing season. At a joint press conference held at Corso Café in Szeged on July 30, representatives of SZTE and Ádám Szabó reflected on the achievements of their collaboration so far and outlined their plans for the future.
Since the start of the 2025 racing season, the Cluster for Third Mission Developments within SZTE’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK) has supported the young driver as his principal sponsor. The partnership has helped Ádám turn his potential into sustained progress while laying a strong foundation for his continued development.
Press conference at Corso Café in Szeged. Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
The partnership reflects the forward-looking vision of IKIKK’s Sustainability and Green University Development Program: electric go-kart racing offers a compelling glimpse into the future of cleaner transport and sustainable mobility – areas in which the University of Szeged is actively advancing research and innovation.
At the joint press conference, Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Director-General for Strategy and Development at the University of Szeged and Operational Director of IKIKK, was joined by Ádám Szabó, the young driver at the heart of the partnership.
At the press conference, Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka drew a connection between the data-driven world of electric go-kart racing and one of Albert Szent-Györgyi’s best-known observations: “Discovery is seeing what everybody else has seen, and thinking what nobody else has thought.” Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
“The University of Szeged is home to 25,000 students, each with the potential to achieve something remarkable. Excellence takes many forms: it may be reflected in scientific discovery, success in academic competitions, entrepreneurial ambition, artistic achievement, or sporting performance. Our mission – both as a university and through IKIKK – is to recognize that potential, nurture it, and help our students transform their talent into tangible achievement. In Ádám, we see the dedication, humility, and determination that lie at the heart of true excellence. We are proud to support him in a field that is also highly relevant to the University of Szeged,” said Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Director-General for Strategy and Development at the University of Szeged, at the press conference.
When the partnership was announced last year, Ádám Szabó was still preparing for his secondary school graduation examinations. Since then, he has continued to make steady progress toward his goals and is now preparing to begin his studies at the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Engineering in September. His ambitions on the racetrack are equally clear: together with his professional team, he is working toward becoming the first Hungarian driver to secure a full-time seat in the FIA Formula E World Championship.
“Racing is about far more than speed and competition. Behind every lap lies engineering, technology, data, and constant innovation. That is exactly why I chose the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Engineering: I want to understand the science that powers the sport and build the technical knowledge needed to take my career further. It is incredibly motivating to see my greatest passion and my future profession come together,” said Ádám Szabó, who will begin studying mechanical engineering at the University of Szeged in September.
The University’s support for the 2026 season extends far beyond financial backing. It reflects a shared belief in electromobility as a driving force behind the next wave of innovation – not only in research and technology, but also on the racetrack. By combining the reach of sport with the University of Szeged’s research expertise, the partnership brings emerging technologies closer to the public in an accessible and engaging way. At the same time, Ádám Szabó’s performances continue to carry the names of both the University and the city of Szeged onto the European stage.
The 2026 season will culminate in two major events: the European Championship in September and the World Championship in November. Backed by the University of Szeged and driven by an ambitious vision for the future, Ádám Szabó will compete against the best drivers in Europe and beyond as he continues his journey toward the highest levels of electric motorsport.
Original Hungarian article by Ferenc Lévai
Photo: Ádám Kovács-Jerney
