Maruti Suzuki launches DesignXathon 2026 – Winners will receive cash prizes and internship opportunities
Maruti Suzuki India has announced the second edition of its flagship automotive design competition, DesignXathon 2026. Following the success of the inaugural edition held in 2025, the company is once again inviting entries from students pursuing design courses in Indian and global design institutes based in India.
The competition aims to encourage young designers to showcase their creativity and future mobility ideas. For the 2026 edition, Maruti Suzuki has set the theme as – “Imagine an iconic vehicle, Gen Z and Alpha aspire to own in 2036” Participants will be required to design future-ready mobility concepts targeting the period 2035-2040.
Maruti aims at young designers
Entries will be evaluated based on a number of criteria including vehicle category selection, relevance to Gen Z and Gen Alpha lifestyles, sustainability integration and overall connection between technology and design philosophy. Maruti Suzuki said the challenge aims to spur innovation and help develop the next generation of automotive designers in India.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India LimitedSaid that automotive design is much more than aesthetics and involves innovation, creativity and new approaches that influence customer choices. He said that the first edition of the competition highlighted the vast design talent available in India and expressed confidence that DesignXathon 2026 will provide a strong platform for students to bring their ideas to life.
Winners get internship opportunities
Maruti Suzuki is offering a cash prize of up to Rs 4.5 lakh along with internship opportunities to the winning participants. The top three teams will receive a coveted six-month internship with Maruti Suzuki’s design team, allowing students to gain practical experience in a professional automotive design studio.
Teams placing fourth through tenth will also receive recognition and the opportunity to apply for an internship with the company. Additionally, the top 25 shortlisted teams will be mentored by experienced automotive design professionals during the competition process.
The first edition of DesignXathon in 2025 received over 400 entries from 70 leading design institutes. The winning teams came from MIT Institute of Design, VIT Vellore and Strait School of Design. Maruti Suzuki also revealed that eight students from the previous edition are currently undergoing a six-month internship with the company’s design division. Applications for DesignXathon 2026 are now openThe last date for submission has been fixed as July 13, 2026.