Maruti Suzuki Launches Designxathon 2026 For Student Designers

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has announced DesignXathon 2026, the second edition of its design challenge for students pursuing design courses at Indian and global institutes based in India. The company said the contest is open to entries focused on future mobility ideas, with a theme that asks participants to design an iconic vehicle that Gen Z and Alpha would want to own in 2036. 

The entries will be judged on the design vision for a vehicle aimed at 2035-2040, the choice of vehicle category, its link to the lifestyle of Gen Z and Alpha users, the use of sustainability, and the link between design thinking and technology. Maruti Suzuki said the last date to submit applications is 13 July 2026. 

According to the company, the top three teams will receive cash prizes of up to Rs 4,50,000 and a six-month internship with the Maruti Suzuki design team. Teams ranked fourth to tenth will also get recognition and an opportunity to apply for an internship. 

The top 25 shortlisted teams will receive mentorship from automotive design professionals, the company said. Maruti Suzuki Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said the platform is meant to help young designers present ideas and gain hands-on experience through an internship with the company. 

Maruti Suzuki said the first edition of DesignXathon drew more than 400 students from 70 design institutes, and the winning teams were from MIT Institute of Design, VIT Vellore and Strate School of Design. The company also said eight students from the first edition are now doing a six-month internship with its design team.