At the University of California, Riverside, the EcoCAR EV Challenge is more than a competition; it’s a platform where industry, education, and innovation intersect. One of the key partners helping bring this vision to life is TCCI, a sustaining sponsor whose impact extends far beyond the vehicle itself.

 

 

As part of this partnership, EcoCAR communications mentors Nate Baguio and Claire Demirjian play a key role in guiding student teams, offering industry insight and real-world perspective to help elevate storytelling and strategy across the competition. 

With extensive experience in both advanced manufacturing and strategic communications, Nate sat down with Semaria Kebede, Communications Manager for EcoCAR UCR, to share his journey, discuss TCCI’s involvement in EcoCAR, and reflect on the growing importance of communication in shaping the future of mobility.

A Partnership Built on Purpose

TCCI’s involvement in EcoCAR is rooted in both innovation and intention. As Nate Baguio, Vice President and Strategic Advisor for Business Development at TCCI, explains, the partnership is not just about support, it’s about connection.

This isn’t a charitable donation. It’s a sponsorship where both sides benefit. We get exposure to future talent, to new ideas, and to the direction the industry is heading. 

By working alongside major industry partners and student teams, TCCI stays closely aligned with emerging technologies and workforce development, while also contributing valuable expertise to the program.
Beyond financial support, TCCI actively engages with students through mentorship and judging. Nate emphasizes that mentorship is about more than answering questions; it’s about sharing experience.

When you look at someone who’s been in the industry for 30-plus years, there’s value in the mistakes, the lessons, and how your perspective changes over time. That’s what we try to bring to students.

This guidance helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world expectations, giving students a clearer understanding of professional environments and career pathways.
A key theme that emerged from the conversation is the importance of communication, especially in highly technical fields.

You have to translate a very complex world into something that everyday people understand. That’s not a soft skill; it’s a primary skill.

In an industry driven by innovation, the ability to clearly communicate ideas, whether to stakeholders, policymakers, or the public, is essential. Programs like EcoCAR provide students with opportunities to develop both technical expertise and the communication skills needed to succeed.

TCCI’s Role in the Future of Mobility

While TCCI is known for manufacturing compressors, critical components for thermal management in vehicles, their role is foundational to the broader mobility ecosystem.

None of these systems works without temperature management. Whether it’s a vehicle cabin, a battery, or even data systems, everything depends on it.

As vehicles become more advanced, incorporating electrification and automation, TCCI continues to innovate alongside the industry, including developing internal AI tools to enhance its products and processes.

Why EcoCAR Matters

For TCCI, the value of EcoCAR is clear: it delivers measurable impact.
 

EcoCAR is one of those programs that delivers on its promise. You see the quality of students coming out of it, and that’s why we continue to be involved.

From fostering collaboration across universities to preparing students for real-world careers, the program creates an environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom.
As partnerships like the one between UCR EcoCAR and TCCI continue to grow, so does the impact on students, industry, and the future of mobility. By combining technical innovation with mentorship and real-world insight, TCCI is helping shape not just better vehicles, but better professionals.

Want to learn more or get involved with EcoCAR UCR? Follow EcoCAR UCR on Instagram , LinkedIn, or visit our Linktree to explore opportunities, open roles, and behind-the-scenes updates from Year 4.