#Finland #BRP #Emergency Vehicle #Rovaniemi #design challenge

BRP's 6th International Design Challenge: Celebrating Student Innovation

On March 20, 2026, BRP Inc. held a remarkable event in Rovaniemi, Finland, unveiling the winners of its 6th International Design Challenge. This initiative attracted around 70 students from eight universities across the globe, including institutions from Finland, Canada, the USA, France, and the UK. The challenge called on participants to conceive innovative emergency response vehicle (ERV) designs, aligning their visions with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Endorsed by the World Design Organization, the BRP International Design Challenge serves as a platform for students to apply their design thinking skills and creativity, benefiting from valuable mentorship from both academic professionals and BRP's design experts. This event underscores BRP's commitment to fostering future design talent and enhancing cooperation between academia and the industry.

"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 to the professors, mentors, and jury members," remarked Denys Lapointe, Chief Design Officer at BRP. He emphasized the significance of empowering young talent and exploring innovative ideas, stating, "Great design knows no boundaries."

The Winners

Within the competition, BRP celebrated the ingenuity of students who designed practical solutions for environmental and humanitarian challenges. Out of nearly 70 submissions, 10 finalists emerged, representing each participating university. These selected students, alongside their professors, traveled to Rovaniemi for a week filled with networking and cultural immersion during the Arctic Design Week Goes Campus.

First Prize: Valentin Leboucher

Valentin Leboucher of Rubika, France, secured first place with his extraordinary two-in-one vehicle designed specifically for wildfire management. His concept featured a dual-use vehicle allowing firefighters safe access to fire zones, which could also transform into a protective operation base for a hose-carrying rover. This innovative solution not only impressed the jury but demonstrated thorough understanding across all design aspects. As the winner, he earned a six-month paid internship at BRP's Design Innovation Center in Valcourt, Canada.

Second Prize: Kirtish Gaood

The second-place recognition went to Kirtish Gaood from the College for Creative Studies, USA. His project was informed by the challenges posed by mudslides in Northern India, drawing inspiration from the traditional lifestyle of Sherpas. This minimalist vehicle architecture allowed for agile movement through difficult terrain, facilitating rapid evacuations during emergencies. Kirtish was awarded a monetary prize of 3,000 euros.

Third Prize: Antoine Rupp

Antoine Rupp, also from Rubika, France, took home the third prize for his innovative vehicle solution for flood response scenarios. His empathetic design eased the transport of victims by incorporating features that smoothed the ride over rough terrain. Antoine received a monetary reward of 1,500 euros for his thoughtful approach to lifesaving transportation.

Design's Role in Community Development

BRP's long-standing dedication to integrating design and innovation into its core practices was evident throughout the design challenge. By revealing the winners at the Arctic Design Week Goes Campus, BRP highlighted design's critical role in fostering regional development and cultural identity. Ulla-Kirsikka Vainio, Mayor of Rovaniemi, expressed pride in hosting such significant events that connect students, educators, and industry leaders from around the world, asserting the city's position as a hub for innovative design thinking.

Antti Syväjärvi, Rector of the University of Lapland, also praised the collaboration, emphasizing its ability to provide students with invaluable opportunities to engage with global professionals and peers. The universities involved included the College for Creative Studies (USA), Humber College (Canada), LAB University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Royal College of Art (UK), Rubika (France), Strate School of Design (France), Université de Montréal (Canada), and the University of Lapland (Finland).

About BRP

BRP Inc. is a prominent player in the powersports industry, developing an extensive range of products celebrated for their innovation and design excellence. With over 80 years of history, BRP offers renowned brands such as Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, Can-Am, and Rotax. Committed to responsible growth and the development of electric models, BRP champions exhilarating experiences while focusing on sustainability across its global operations. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, BRP reported annual sales of CA$7.8 billion across more than 130 countries, employing approximately 16,500 dedicated individuals as of January 31, 2025.