- Maruti Suzuki launched DesignXathon 2026 focused on future mobility concepts for Gen Z and Alpha consumers.
- Winning teams will receive cash prizes and internship opportunities with the Maruti Suzuki design team.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited has announced the second edition of DesignXathon 2026, a national-level automotive design competition aimed at encouraging innovation in future mobility concepts. The initiative was officially launched on May 11 and invites students from Indian as well as global design institutes operating in India to participate. The competition focuses on futuristic vehicle concepts that can address changing mobility expectations while integrating sustainability, advanced technology, and evolving consumer preferences.
For the 2026 edition, participants are required to conceptualize a vehicle that would appeal to consumers belonging to the Gen Z and Alpha generations by the year 2036. The competition encourages students to develop mobility concepts that reflect future lifestyles, digital integration, environmental consciousness, and emerging transportation trends. Entries will be reviewed on the basis of design originality, practicality, relevance to target users, and the ability to combine technology with sustainable mobility solutions for the projected 2035–2040 market environment.
Competition Rewards and Internship Opportunities
The competition offers a total prize pool of up to Rs 4.5 lakh for participating teams. In addition to financial rewards, the top three teams will receive a six-month internship opportunity with the design division of Maruti Suzuki India Limited. The internships are intended to provide selected participants with practical exposure to automotive design processes and industry-level product development activities.
Teams securing positions from fourth to tenth place will also receive formal recognition from the company. These participants will be given an opportunity to apply for internship roles within a professional automotive studio environment, enabling additional exposure to real-world vehicle design practices and mobility innovation programs.
Focus on Building India's Automotive Design Ecosystem
According to Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the competition is designed to provide a platform for emerging designers to convert creative ideas into practical concepts. The initiative also aims to strengthen the automotive design ecosystem in India by encouraging young talent to contribute to future mobility development and advanced transportation thinking.
The first edition of DesignXathon conducted in 2025 recorded participation from more than 400 students representing over 70 design institutes. Building on that response, the company expects broader participation in the 2026 edition as interest in future mobility technologies, connected vehicles, and sustainable transportation solutions continues to grow among students and design professionals.
Key Highlights of DesignXathon 2026
The competition structure combines academic creativity with industry-oriented learning opportunities for aspiring automotive designers. Participants are expected to create concepts that align with future customer expectations while also considering sustainability and intelligent mobility technologies.
DesignXathon 2026 Competition Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition Name | DesignXathon 2026 |
| Organizer | Maruti Suzuki India Limited |
| Theme | Future mobility concepts for Gen Z and Alpha consumers by 2036 |
| Prize Pool | Up to Rs 4.5 lakh |
| Top Reward | Six-month internship with Maruti Suzuki design team |
| Application Deadline | July 13, 2026 |
The application submission deadline for DesignXathon 2026 has been set for July 13, 2026. The competition is expected to serve as a platform for identifying emerging automotive design talent while encouraging innovative mobility solutions for the next generation of vehicle users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maruti Suzuki DesignXathon 2026?
Maruti Suzuki DesignXathon 2026 is a national automotive design competition focused on future mobility concepts for Gen Z and Alpha consumers by the year 2036. The initiative invites students from Indian and international design institutes located in India to submit innovative vehicle ideas that combine sustainability, advanced technology, and evolving lifestyle preferences. Participants will compete for cash rewards, internships, and professional recognition while contributing ideas for future transportation solutions expected to shape mobility trends between 2035 and 2040.
What rewards are offered in DesignXathon 2026?
The competition provides a total prize pool of up to Rs 4.5 lakh along with internship opportunities for selected participants. The top three winning teams will receive six-month internships with the Maruti Suzuki design team to gain practical industry experience. Teams ranked fourth to tenth will also receive formal recognition and can apply for internships within professional automotive design studio environments. These opportunities are intended to help students develop industry exposure and strengthen their understanding of automotive product design and future mobility development.
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