BRP Inc. announced on March 20 the winners of its 6th International Design Challenge, held in Rovaniemi, Finland. The event brought together about 70 students from eight universities across Finland, Canada, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom to design innovative emergency response vehicles aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The challenge is endorsed by the World Design Organization and aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry while supporting young designers. Denys Lapointe, Chief Design Officer at BRP, said, “Returning to Rovaniemi and witnessing our finalists immerse themselves in such a meaningful experience is truly inspiring. I am very grateful to the University of Lapland for welcoming us, and I would also like to express my gratitude to professors and mentors, as well as to our jury members.” Lapointe added that empowering young talent is essential for shaping the future of mobility.
Valentin Leboucher from Rubika in France won first prize for his two-in-one vehicle concept designed for wildfire response. His design allows firefighters to approach fire zones safely and then transforms into a protective base for remote operation of a hose-carrying rover. As first-place winner, Leboucher will receive a six-month paid internship at BRP’s Design & Innovation Center in Valcourt, Canada. Second place went to Kirtish Gaood from the College for Creative Studies in the U.S., who developed a vehicle inspired by Sherpas for rapid evacuation during mudslides in Northern India. He receives a monetary prize of 3,000 euros. Antoine Rupp from Rubika took third place with his flood rescue vehicle concept focused on victim comfort; he receives 1,500 euros.
Ulla‑Kirsikka Vainio, Mayor of Rovaniemi, said, “Rovaniemi is proud to welcome initiatives that bring together students, educators, and industry leaders from around the world. Events such as the Arctic Design Week Goes Campus and BRP’s International Design Challenge enhance the city’s international visibility and affirm our position as a hub for northern design and innovative thinking.” Antti Syväjärvi, Rector at University of Lapland added: “Welcoming BRP and the Design Challenge to Arctic Design Week Goes Campus reflects the University of Lapland’s commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation for the North and beyond. This collaboration offers our students a unique chance to engage with professionals and peers from around the globe and to develop meaningful and innovative solutions.”
The competition highlights BRP’s focus on design-driven growth within communities while strengthening ties between education institutions worldwide.
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