BRP names winners of its 6th International Design Challenge
BRP announced the winners of its sixth International Design Challenge, held during Arctic Design Week in Finland, bringing together approximately 70 students from eight universities across North America and Europe.
The annual competition, endorsed by the World Design Organization, challenged students to develop emergency response vehicle (ERV) concepts aligned with United Nations sustainability goals.
The competition allows students to put their design thinking approach and creative skills into practice while benefiting from mentoring from both their professors and BRP design professionals. The event reflects BRP’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of design professionals and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
First prize
Top honors went to Valentin Leboucher (Rubika, France), whose wildfire-focused concept features a dual-function vehicle that transforms into a remote firefighting base with a deployable hose rover. Leboucher earns a six-month paid internship at BRP’s design center in Valcourt, Quebec.
Second prize
Second place was awarded to Kirtish Gaood of the College for Creative Studies for a modular, Sherpa-inspired rescue vehicle designed for mudslide response in Northern India. The concept emphasizes agility and rapid evacuation using multiple units. Gaood receives €3,000.
Third prize
Third place went to Antoine Rupp (Rubika, France), whose flood-response vehicle focuses on patient comfort and stability through advanced suspension systems. Rupp receives €1,500.
“The Design Challenge continues to demonstrate the importance of empowering young talent and giving them the space to explore bold ideas. Each edition strengthens our belief that collaboration across generations is essential to shaping the future of mobility, and that great design knows no boundaries. I thank all the participants for their hard work and dedication, and offer my warmest congratulations to our finalists and winners.” — Denys Lapointe, chief design officer at BRP.
The event, hosted by the University of Lapland, reinforces BRP’s focus on design-led innovation and collaboration with future talent.
