West Philly High School Showcased by Newsweek

“It’s Down to Us America!” Features West Philly High’s TDI-Powered GTM

Talk about real-world technology transfer!

Simon Hauger and the team from West Philly High School are showcased by Newsweek with their TDI-powered GTM that earned 1st place at the Green Grand Prix and was a finalist in the X-Prize competition. The story is titled “It’s Down to Us America!” saying that innovation and technology have to come from the populace.

Simon Hauger and members of the West Philly High X-Prize Team.

Click here to read the article.

The fact that the technology is the FFR-Sponsored West Philly Car will be used in a real product (the new 818) is a direct testament to that statement! Congrats Guys!

Dave Smith
President

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