Maruti Suzuki announces DesignXathon 2026 for aspiring car designers
Maruti Suzuki has launched DesignXathon 2026, inviting young designers across India to create futuristic vehicle concepts for 2036, with cash rewards, mentorship opportunities and internships with the automaker.
India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India Limited has announced the second edition of its design competition, DesignXathon 2026, aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of automotive designers. The initiative builds on the success of its inaugural edition held in 2025 and invites students from Indian and global design institutes based in India to submit concepts for future mobility solutions.
The theme for this year’s competition challenges participants to "Envision an iconic vehicle Gen Z and Alpha aspire to own in 2036." Students will be evaluated on their ability to create a futuristic vehicle concept aligned with the mobility trends of 2035-2040, with emphasis on design vision, sustainability, technology integration and relevance to evolving lifestyles of younger consumers.
Announcing the initiative, Hisashi Takeuchi said automotive design today goes beyond aesthetics and plays a key role in influencing customer choices through innovation and fresh perspectives. He noted that the first edition of the challenge highlighted the depth of design talent available in India and expressed confidence that young minds will continue to shape the future of mobility through unconventional thinking and creativity.
Maruti Suzuki said the top 25 shortlisted teams in DesignXathon 2026 will receive mentorship from experienced automotive design professionals. Participants will also compete for cash prizes worth up to Rs 4.5 lakh, while the top three teams will earn a six-month internship opportunity with the company’s design division. Teams ranked fourth to tenth will receive recognition and will also get a chance to apply for internships with the automaker.
The company revealed that the inaugural edition of DesignXathon attracted more than 400 students from 70 Indian and international design institutes. Winning entries last year came from MIT Institute of Design, VIT Vellore and Strate School of Design, while eight students are currently undergoing internships with Maruti Suzuki’s design team.
DesignXathon forms part of Maruti Suzuki’s broader effort to strengthen India’s automotive design ecosystem and engage with emerging talent as the industry transitions towards new-age mobility solutions. Applications for DesignXathon 2026 are open until 13 July 2026.
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