The NXP Cup: A Partnership for Lasting Impact

Each year, the NXP Cup gives students a quick start in hardware and software development
for autonomous model cars. Participants converge from various backgrounds across EMEA to build, program and race their model
cars against other teams, aiming for the fastest times and precise maneuvering. For partners such as Mouser Electronics, the
competition is an opportunity to make lasting impacts and foster lasting relationships with students. Rafik Mitry, Technical
Marketing Engineer EMEA at Mouser Electronics, discusses the company’s involvement in the NXP Cup and how students can benefit
from the competition.

NXP: What should students who are considering participating in the NXP Cup know about the competition?

Rafik Mitry: The NXP Cup has great learning opportunities and offers valuable insights into the ‘complex’
engineering world. It’s an exceptional platform and starting point for students to embark on their engineering journey.
Additionally, exercising teamwork throughout the event will strengthen participants’ soft skills. Furthermore, participants will
receive credits for their course attendance, enhancing their overall educational experience. NXP Cup 2024 season starts in
October this year. Interested students can register on the
NXP Cup page.

NXP: Which skills do you think students need for a chance at succeeding in the NXP Cup?

RM: I’d say proficiency in robot operating system (ROS) and machine vision programming are crucial requirements
for successful participation. Practical skills in these areas are needed and the students must be willing to engage in hands-on
work. They also need a good level of dedication throughout the competition. Regardless of the outcome, participating in the NXP
Cup will enrich students in key ways.

NXP: How long has Mouser Electronics been a sponsor of the competition and why is the partnership significant?

RM: We’ve been a sponsor of the NXP Cup since 2016. We recognized this as a significant opportunity to actively
interact with students and to foster a lasting association with the Mouser brand throughout their academic journey. Moreover, this
partnership is a testament to Mouser’s commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers. Additionally, it offers a
platform for productive collaboration with NXP as a valued partner. It allows us to make lasting impact.

NXP: Can you describe Mouser’s involvement in the 2023 edition and how it benefited the company?

RM: We were involved in several activities around the 2023 NXP Cup including social media and content creation.
All those activities helped deepen the relationship between NXP and Mouser in EMEA. Also, the prospect of actively engaging with
participants during the qualification and final event provided insights into their challenges. This information will inform and
shape some of our marketing strategies, allowing us to support them better and meet their needs effectively.

NXP: Mouser and NXP have quite a history of collaboration. What do you like most about collaborating in the competition?

RM: We like NXP’s flexibility and openness to involve Electromaker in the digitization of the event and the
generation and sharing of content around it on various channels. We also appreciate NXP’s commitment to excellence through the
establishment of an efficient team that organizes student events and ensures a seamless experience for all participants.

About Mouser Electronics

Mouser Electronics , a Berkshire Hathaway company, is an authorized semiconductor and electronic component distributor focused on new product introductions from its leading manufacturer partners.
Serving the global electronic design engineer and buyer community, the global distributor’s website, mouser.com, is available in multiple languages and currencies and features more than 6.8 million
products from over 1,200 manufacturer brands. Mouser offers 27 support locations worldwide to provide best-in-class customer service in local language, currency and time zone.
The distributor ships to over 650,000 customers in 223 countries/territories from its 1 million-square-foot, state-of-the-art distribution facilities in the Dallas, Texas, metro area.

Authors

Monica Tudora

Monica is currently Global Sales Communications Manager at NXP. Her role focuses on keeping the NXP Global Sales organization informed with compelling communications and co-leading the NXP Cup program.

Garance Aubert-Mazenq

Garance is Project Manager Experience at NXP and holds a Master’s degree in Marketing and Innovation. She works in NXP’s Experience team and co-leads the NXP Cup challenge. Her role is to bring new ideas and innovations that can enhance and improve the physical and digital experience.