The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Formula E have announced a landmark expansion of their educational partnership, unveiling “Driving Force Presented by PIF,” a global STEM learning program set to reach more than 50,000 students across the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. The announcement, made via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on April 11, 2025, marks the largest expansion of the initiative since its launch in June 2024 and represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to cultivate the next generation of innovators in sustainable mobility and green technology.
The program debuted today at Keys Gate Charter School in south Florida, ahead of the April 12th Miami E-Prix, bringing hands-on STEM workshops to up to 90 students in its inaugural session. Designed for students aged 8 to 18, Driving Force Presented by PIF combines interactive workshops, digital resources, and in-person learning experiences to inspire young people to explore careers in motorsport engineering, sustainability, and electric mobility. So why does this initiative matter so much right now? Because it sits at the intersection of two defining global priorities: the transition to clean energy and the urgent need to equip young people with future-ready skills.
Context and Background
How did a sovereign wealth fund become a driving force in global STEM education? The answer lies in the Public Investment Fund’s broader strategy of leveraging high-profile sports and entertainment partnerships to deliver tangible social and economic impact. PIF, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and a central pillar of Vision 2030, launched its E360 partnership in 2024 — a first-of-its-kind alliance uniting Formula E, Extreme H, and E1 electric powerboat racing under a single sustainability-focused platform. Driving Force Presented by PIF is the educational arm of that partnership, designed to translate the excitement of electric motorsport into real-world learning opportunities.
The program’s origins trace back to June 2024, when the initial Driving Force initiative was introduced. Since then, PIF and Formula E have worked to expand its reach, moving from a pilot phase to a multi-continent operation. The expansion announced this week reflects a deliberate effort to scale impact, with in-person workshops now scheduled across three countries and a comprehensive online learning program accessible worldwide. This global footprint ensures that students who cannot attend physical workshops still have access to high-quality STEM content, democratizing learning in a way that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education and innovation on a global scale.
Formula E, the world’s premier electric racing series, provides the perfect backdrop for this educational mission. By connecting the thrill of electric racing with the science behind it, the program makes STEM subjects tangible and exciting for young learners. The partnership also underscores PIF’s growing role as a catalyst for sustainable technology and youth empowerment, extending its influence beyond investment into the realm of human capital development.
Key Details
What exactly does Driving Force Presented by PIF offer to students? At its core, the program is a multi-dimensional learning experience that blends hands-on activities with digital innovation. Students participate in interactive workshops where they engage with the principles of electric mobility, renewable energy, and engineering design. These workshops are tailored to different age groups within the 8-18 range, ensuring that content is both accessible and challenging. The in-person sessions, like the one held at Keys Gate Charter School in Miami, are designed to accommodate up to 90 students per workshop, providing an intimate and immersive learning environment.
Beyond the classroom, the program includes a comprehensive online learning platform that offers digital resources, virtual experiments, and educational materials. This online component is crucial for reaching the ambitious target of 50,000 students worldwide, as it removes geographical barriers and allows young people from diverse backgrounds to participate. The program’s curriculum focuses on the future of mobility, covering topics such as battery technology, aerodynamics, sustainable materials, and the environmental impact of transportation. By framing these subjects within the context of electric racing, the program makes abstract concepts concrete and relatable.
“Since introducing the PIF E360 partnership last year, Formula E and PIF continue to look for opportunities to make a positive, real-world impact,” said Alejandro Agag, founder and chairman of Formula E, Extreme H, and E1. “Driving Force Presented by PIF is an example of how PIF is not only elevating motorsports but also inspiring the next generation of talent through STEM education which plays a crucial role in inspiring future motorsport talent in sustainable mobility and green technology.”
Mohammed AlSayyad, PIF Head of Corporate Brand, added: “PIF is committed to supercharging the growth and transformation of electric motorsport, and through our partnership with E360, we are collaborating with our partners to accelerate progress, maximize impact, and deliver powerful unified programs. For the first time, we are bringing together Formula E, Extreme H and E1 to expand the Driving Force program and drive transformative impact by empowering youth who are the innovators of tomorrow.”
The announcement also coincides with the launch of “Supercharged,” PIF’s new campaign focused on driving innovation and global progress through E360. This campaign aims to redefine the future of electric racing and accelerate technological innovation in green mobility, further amplifying the message that sustainable technology is not just a necessity but an opportunity for economic growth and global leadership.
International and Regional Impact
How will this program reshape the global STEM education landscape? By operating across the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, Driving Force Presented by PIF creates a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and best practices. In the United States, the program’s debut in Miami aligns with the city’s growing status as a hub for electric mobility and innovation. The partnership with local schools like Keys Gate Charter School ensures that students in underserved communities gain access to cutting-edge educational experiences. In the United Kingdom, a key market for Formula E and a leader in engineering education, the program will complement existing STEM initiatives and provide students with a unique window into the world of electric racing.
In Saudi Arabia, the program takes on added significance as part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and empower its youth. By bringing Driving Force to Saudi schools, PIF is investing in the human capital that will drive Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and technological leadership. The program also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global convener, using its financial resources and strategic partnerships to address shared challenges like the skills gap in STEM fields. Regionally, the initiative sets a benchmark for other nations in the Middle East, demonstrating how sovereign wealth funds can play a catalytic role in education and sustainable development.
The international scope of the program also strengthens people-to-people ties between Saudi Arabia and its partners. Students in different countries will engage with the same curriculum, share experiences through online platforms, and potentially collaborate on projects. This interconnected approach fosters a global community of young innovators who are united by a common interest in sustainability and technology. For Formula E, the program enhances its legacy by creating a pipeline of future talent that could eventually work in the electric racing industry or the broader green technology sector.
Economic and Strategic Significance
Why should investors and policymakers pay attention to a STEM education program? The answer lies in the economic imperatives of the 21st century. The global transition to electric mobility is projected to create millions of jobs in engineering, software development, battery manufacturing, and renewable energy. By equipping students with relevant skills early on, Driving Force Presented by PIF helps build a workforce that can meet this demand. For Saudi Arabia, this is particularly important as the Kingdom seeks to diversify its economy away from oil and develop new high-value industries. A well-educated youth population is essential for attracting investment, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving innovation.
From a strategic perspective, the program enhances PIF’s reputation as a forward-thinking investor that cares about social impact as much as financial returns. This aligns with the global trend of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, where stakeholders expect sovereign funds to contribute positively to society. By partnering with Formula E, Extreme H, and E1, PIF also strengthens its ties to the rapidly growing electric motorsport sector, which is attracting significant corporate sponsorship and media attention. The “Supercharged” campaign further amplifies this message, positioning PIF as a leader in the green technology revolution.
Moreover, the program’s focus on sustainability education supports Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its own Saudi Green Initiative. By teaching students about renewable energy and sustainable practices, Driving Force contributes to a cultural shift toward environmental stewardship. This is not just about creating engineers; it’s about fostering a mindset that values sustainability and innovation. In the long run, this could lead to new startups, patents, and industries emerging from Saudi Arabia, further accelerating economic diversification.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does Driving Force Presented by PIF embody the spirit of Vision 2030? At its heart, Vision 2030 is about unlocking human potential and creating a diversified, sustainable economy. The program directly supports several of the vision’s key pillars, including education, youth empowerment, and economic diversification. By investing in STEM education, PIF is nurturing the talent that will power future industries, from renewable energy to advanced manufacturing. This is particularly crucial as Saudi Arabia aims to increase the private sector’s contribution to GDP and reduce unemployment among youth.
Furthermore, the program reflects Vision 2030’s emphasis on global engagement and soft power. By taking a Saudi-led initiative to the United States and the United Kingdom, PIF is showcasing the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainability and education on the world stage. This enhances Saudi Arabia’s image as a modern, forward-looking nation that is committed to solving global challenges. The partnership with Formula E, a globally recognized brand, also aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of promoting entertainment and sports as catalysts for economic growth and social change.
In the final analysis, Driving Force Presented by PIF is more than just a STEM program; it is a strategic investment in the future. It demonstrates how PIF is leveraging its resources and partnerships to create lasting value for Saudi Arabia and the world. As the program expands to reach 50,000 students, it will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of innovators who will carry forward the torch of sustainable mobility. And as Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward Vision 2030, initiatives like this will serve as beacons of progress, proving that economic transformation and social impact can go hand in hand.
20 Questions
Q1. What is Driving Force Presented by PIF?
A1. Driving Force Presented by PIF is a global STEM education program launched by the Public Investment Fund and Formula E. It engages students aged 8 to 18 through workshops, digital resources, and hands-on learning focused on sustainable mobility and green technology.
Q2. When was the program announced?
A2. The expanded program was announced on April 11, 2025, via the Saudi Press Agency, ahead of the Miami E-Prix. It marks the largest expansion since the initiative first launched in June 2024.
Q3. How many students will the program reach?
A3. The program aims to impact more than 50,000 students worldwide through in-person workshops and a comprehensive online learning platform, spanning the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
Q4. Where did the program debut?
A4. It debuted at Keys Gate Charter School in south Florida on April 11, 2025, with a hands-on workshop for up to 90 students, held just before the April 12th Miami E-Prix.
Q5. What is the age range for participants?
A5. The program is designed for students aged 8 to 18, offering age-appropriate content that introduces them to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through the lens of electric racing.
Q6. Who are the key partners in this initiative?
A6. The program is a collaboration between the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Formula E, under the broader E360 partnership that also includes Extreme H and E1 electric powerboat racing.
Q7. What is E360?
A7. E360 is PIF’s first-of-its-kind partnership uniting Formula E, Extreme H, and E1 electric powerboat racing. It aims to advance sustainable mobility and green technology through unified programs and campaigns.
Q8. What did Alejandro Agag say about the program?
A8. Alejandro Agag, founder and chairman of Formula E, Extreme H, and E1, said the program exemplifies how PIF is elevating motorsports and inspiring the next generation through STEM education, which is crucial for future talent in sustainable mobility.
Q9. What did Mohammed AlSayyad say about the program?
A9. Mohammed AlSayyad, PIF Head of Corporate Brand, stated that PIF is committed to supercharging electric motorsport growth and, through E360, is collaborating to expand Driving Force and empower youth as innovators of tomorrow.
Q10. What is the “Supercharged” campaign?
A10. “Supercharged” is PIF’s transformative campaign focused on driving innovation and global progress through E360. It aims to redefine the future of electric racing and lead in green technological innovation for future electric mobility.
Q11. How does the program support STEM education?
A11. It provides interactive workshops, hands-on learning experiences, and digital resources that teach students about engineering, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility, making STEM subjects engaging and relevant to real-world challenges.
Q12. Which countries will host in-person workshops?
A12. In-person workshops will take place across the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, ensuring a global reach and cross-cultural exchange of ideas among young learners.
Q13. What is the online learning component?
A13. The online program offers digital resources, virtual experiments, and educational materials accessible worldwide, allowing students who cannot attend physical workshops to participate and benefit from the curriculum.
Q14. How does this program align with Vision 2030?
A14. It supports Vision 2030 by empowering youth, promoting education, fostering economic diversification, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global engagement and soft power through sustainable development initiatives.
Q15. What is the significance of the Miami E-Prix?
A15. The Miami E-Prix is a major Formula E race that serves as the backdrop for the program’s debut, highlighting the connection between electric racing and STEM education while attracting global attention.
Q16. How many students participated in the first workshop?
A16. The inaugural workshop at Keys Gate Charter School included up to 90 students, providing them with an immersive experience in sustainable mobility and engineering concepts.
Q17. What career paths does the program promote?
A17. It encourages careers in motorsport engineering, sustainable technology, renewable energy, environmental science, and other STEM fields that are essential for the future of electric mobility.
Q18. How does PIF benefit from this partnership?
A18. PIF enhances its reputation as a socially responsible investor, strengthens its ties to electric motorsport, and contributes to building a skilled workforce that supports Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals.
Q19. What is the long-term goal of Driving Force Presented by PIF?
A19. The long-term goal is to inspire a generation of innovators who will lead the transition to sustainable mobility, while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in STEM education and green technology.
Q20. How can schools or students get involved?
A20. Schools and students can participate through the program’s online platform or by attending in-person workshops in the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. Details are available via official PIF and Formula E channels.
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