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BYD EV Innovate-a-thon has reached a pivotal milestone as the competition enters its crucial third round—where ideas evolve into working electric vehicle prototypes. Hosted at the prestigious Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET), Patiala, this landmark initiative is a shining example of how academia and industry can collaborate to spark innovation and cultivate future-ready talent in India’s rapidly evolving EV sector.
BYD EV Innovate-a-thon: Powering the Next Generation of EV Innovators
Launched in July 2024, the BYD EV Innovate-a-thon is a collaborative initiative between BYD India—subsidiary of the world’s No.1 New Energy Vehicle manufacturer—and the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC). The challenge aims to create a vibrant platform for aspiring engineers to explore the nuances of electric mobility, sustainability, and innovation through hands-on learning and expert mentorship.
Out of over 3,200 enthusiastic student participants from across the country, 100 teams were initially shortlisted. After rigorous rounds, 10 elite teams advanced to Round 3, each paired with industry experts and mentors to refine their ideas into fully functional prototypes.
Prototype Round: Bridging Theory and Real-World Impact
The third round, conducted at TIET Patiala, focuses on prototype development—arguably the most demanding and rewarding phase of the competition. Students are now showcasing functional EV prototypes, blending sustainable design, smart engineering, and market feasibility.
Participants presented their models and business pitches to a distinguished jury, which included:
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Ms. Shivani Chaudhary – BYD India Pvt. Ltd.
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Mr. Manas Naishadh Vora – Vroomble Services Pvt. Ltd.
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Dr. Kamal Vora – NAMTECH
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Dr. Mohammad Rafiq – ARAI
Judges noted the clarity, confidence, and innovation displayed by the teams, underlining the profound impact such initiatives have on nurturing technical acumen and problem-solving skills in the next generation of engineers.
Fostering an Innovation-Driven Mindset
“We are thrilled to witness such enthusiastic participation from students nationwide. This initiative is about creating a mindset of innovation,” said Mr. F. R. Singhvi, President of ASDC. “This round is not just about demonstrating working models—it’s about showing the industry that our youth is ready to lead India’s electric mobility revolution.”
From smart energy management systems to modular EV chassis designs, the prototypes spanned a wide spectrum of ideas—each grounded in real-world application and potential scalability. The evaluation criteria for this round included:
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Technical Functionality
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Market Relevance
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Innovation Quotient
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Presentation Effectiveness
Building the Bridge Between Learning and Industry
The BYD EV Innovate-a-thon exemplifies the power of experiential learning, reinforcing ASDC’s mission to align academic learning with industry needs.
“ASDC’s vision is to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands. Through BYD EV Innovate-a-thon, we’re building a talent pipeline that doesn’t just follow trends but sets them,” Mr. Singhvi added. “India’s mobility story is being rewritten by its youth, and through this platform, we are giving them the stage to lead that transformation.”
BYD India’s Vision: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Vice President of BYD India, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the long-term strategic importance of investing in youth-driven innovation.
“We believe in empowering young minds to shape a sustainable future. This is our way of offering them a global stage to think, build, and lead in electric mobility. The creativity and conviction demonstrated in the BYD EV Innovate-a-thon is truly inspiring.”
More Than a Competition—A Movement
The BYD-ASDC partnership has turned a conventional competition into a movement for sustainable innovation, reflecting the larger global shift toward clean energy and smart transportation solutions.
The journey began with a digital quiz, followed by digital concept submissions and now culminates in working prototypes. The final phase will evaluate the commercial viability and future scalability of these ideas, positioning winners as front-runners in India’s EV revolution.
About ASDC
The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) is India’s first sector skill council dedicated to the automobile industry. Formed under the guidance of SIAM, ACMA, and FADA, and supported by key government ministries, ASDC plays a crucial role in fostering skill development and industry-readiness among India’s youth. Learn more at www.asdc.org.in.
About BYD India
A subsidiary of the global EV leader, BYD India was established in 2007. With two manufacturing facilities spanning over 140,000 sq. meters and a cumulative investment of over $200 million, BYD India has become a key player in India’s electric mobility journey. The company’s passenger vehicle lineup includes the BYD SEALION 7, BYD eMAX 7, BYD SEAL, and the BYD ATTO 3, available through a robust network of 40 dealerships nationwide. Visit www.bydautoindia.com for more information.
Conclusion
The BYD EV Innovate-a-thon is more than an academic challenge—it’s a launchpad for the minds that will engineer the future of mobility. As India accelerates toward a green automotive future, platforms like this ensure the journey is not only driven by technology, but also by passion, creativity, and purpose.
