The third round of the prestigious BYD EV INNOVATE-A-THON was successfully launched at the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET), Patiala, as part of a unique industry-academia collaboration between BYD India, a subsidiary of the world’s No.1 New Energy Vehicle Manufacturer and the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC). This round, centered on prototype development, served as a platform for students to showcase innovative ideas that merge engineering excellence, sustainability, and real-world applications in the Electric Vehicle (EV) domain.
Designed to cultivate future-ready talent for India’s evolving automotive sector, the initiative attracted participation from engineering students across various disciplines and academic levels. Out of over 3200 participants from across India, 100 teams were shortlisted in earlier rounds, and finally, 10 top-performing teams advanced to Round 3, each paired with dedicated mentors for technical guidance. The shortlisted teams presented functional EV prototypes and delivered compelling sales pitches to a distinguished panel of judges comprising Ms. Shivani Chaudhary (BYD India Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Manas Naishadh Vora (Vroomble Services Pvt. Ltd.), Dr. Kamal Vora (NAMTECH) and Dr. Mohammad Rafiq (ARAI).
Throughout the jury interactions, a recurring impression emerged students demonstrated remarkable confidence, clear articulation, and a strong grasp of their concepts, reflecting the high level of expertise and passion driving this innovative competition.
“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 take the lead in India’s electric mobility revolution.” The competition, launched in July 2024, began with a digital quiz that tested students’ knowledge of EVs and sustainability. High-performing candidates advanced to the second round, where they submitted digital prototype concepts in teams of four, guided by academic and industry mentors.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Mr. Singhvi added, “ASDC’s vision is to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs. Through BYD EV INNOVATE-A-THON, we are building a talent pipeline that doesn’t just follow trends but sets them. India’s mobility story is being rewritten by its youth. Through this initiative, we’re simply giving them the canvas. What they’re painting is nothing short of a revolution.” The third round—arguably the most intensive—evaluates teams on parameters including technical functionality, innovation, market relevance, and presentation effectiveness. The event showcased a range of forward-thinking concepts, from smart energy management systems to modular EV designs, each grounded in practical application.
Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Vice President of BYD India, also emphasised the long-term value of the program. “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. When students are given real-world challenges, they rise to the occasion with creativity and conviction. That’s what we’re witnessing in BYD INNOVATE-A-THON.”
The ASDC-BYD EV INNOVATE-A-THON continues to serve as a benchmark for industry-driven, experiential learning in engineering education—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when young minds are given the opportunity and mentorship to innovate for impact.