As BYD and ASDC’s Innovate-A-Thon hits its hands-on, high-stakes prototype stage, Student teams from across India showcased working EV prototypes at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology.
The third phase of the BYD EV Innovate-A-Thon was recently held at the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) in Patiala, Punjab, focusing on the physical development and evaluation of electric vehicle (EV) prototypes.
The event is part of a joint initiative by BYD India and the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) to connect students with current industry practices in the EV sector.
The competition, launched in July 2024, began with an online quiz testing knowledge of EVs and sustainability. Selected participants then submitted digital prototype ideas, and 10 teams were eventually chosen to move to the prototype round. This came after an earlier screening from a pool of over 3200 entries nationwide.
In the third round, teams presented working EV models and explained their concepts to a jury comprising professionals from BYD India, Vroomble Services, NAMTECH, and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Evaluation criteria included functionality, innovation, market relevance, and presentation clarity.
Organisers and judges noted the participants’ technical understanding and communication skills. The event highlighted various student-led approaches, such as modular EV design and energy management systems, to address real-world issues in electric mobility.
According to BYD India, the Innovate-A-Thon is intended to provide engineering students with practical exposure to industry expectations and product development processes. It also serves as a platform for interaction between academic institutions and automotive professionals.
The competition continues to be framed as a learning opportunity, with emphasis on mentoring and skill-building over commercial outcomes.
The company also highlighted that while major industry players support the event, it is positioned primarily as an educational exercise rather than a product launch or promotional activity.
