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BRP Unveils the Winners of its 6th International Design Challenge

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BRP (TSX: DOO) announced the winners of its 6th International Design Challenge on March 20, 2026, held in Rovaniemi, Finland during Arctic Design Week Goes Campus. About 70 students from eight universities competed; first place won a six‑month paid internship at BRP's Valcourt Design & Innovation Center.

Winners addressed emergency response vehicles for disasters such as wildfires, mudslides and floods, with prizes including internships and cash awards.

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News Market Reaction – DOO

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In the Mar 20 session, DOO declined 0.55%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement showcases BRP’s focus on design leadership and academic collaboration via its 6th ...
Analysis

This announcement showcases BRP’s focus on design leadership and academic collaboration via its 6th International Design Challenge, involving about 70 students from 8 universities. It reinforces themes seen in recent sustainability and brand-building news rather than adding financial details. Investors tracking the story may watch how such initiatives support innovation pipelines, employer branding, and ESG positioning alongside upcoming FY26 results and product launches.

Key Figures

Design challenge edition: 6th edition Student participants: approximately 70 students Participating universities: 8 universities +5 more
8 metrics
Design challenge edition 6th edition International Design Challenge in Rovaniemi, Finland
Student participants approximately 70 students Participants in the 6th International Design Challenge
Participating universities 8 universities Institutions from Finland, Canada, USA, France and the UK
Finalist entries 10 finalists Selected from nearly 70 entries, at least one per university
Vehicle capacity two-passenger vehicle First-prize wildfire emergency response concept
Internship duration six-month paid internship Award for first-prize winner at BRP Design & Innovation Center
Second prize amount 3,000 euros Monetary award for second-place winner
Third prize amount 1,500 euros Monetary award for third-place winner

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 19 (Neutral)
Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment 24h Move Catalyst
Mar 19 Earnings call details Neutral -0.2% Announced timing and access details for FY26 Q4 and full-year results call.
Mar 17 Product collaboration Neutral -1.1% Unveiled MeatEater Defender custom hunting rig and expo tour schedule.
Mar 05 Earnings call notice Neutral -3.4% Provided advance notice for FY26 results call and press release timing.
Feb 26 Sustainability program Positive -0.4% Launched Beyond the Ride 2030 ESG program with emissions and waste targets.
Feb 24 Racing results & model Positive +1.1% Highlighted Iron Dog win streak and announced 2027 MXZ X-RS 600RR E-TEC.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent news has been operational, product, and sustainability focused, with mixed but mostly mild price reactions.

Recent Company History

Over the last month, BRP has released a series of operational and brand-focused updates. These include multiple notices about upcoming FY26 results calls, a new Can-Am MeatEater Defender build, the Beyond the Ride 2030 sustainability program with specific emissions and waste targets, and strong Ski-Doo racing results plus a new 2027 MXZ model. The current design challenge announcement continues this pattern of brand-building and ESG-adjacent communication rather than financial data, fitting alongside sustainability and product marketing news seen since February–March 2026.

Key Terms

sustainable development goals, emergency response vehicle (erv)
2 terms
sustainable development goals regulatory
"integrating several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals."
A set of widely recognized, interlinked goals aimed at improving health, education, equality, economic opportunity and environmental protection around the world. Investors use these goals like a common roadmap or checklist to judge whether a company’s products, operations and long‑term plans reduce risks and capture new markets; alignment with the goals can signal resilience, regulatory readiness and access to customers and capital.
emergency response vehicle (erv) technical
"imagine an innovative vehicle architecture for an emergency response vehicle (ERV)"
An emergency response vehicle (ERV) is a specially equipped vehicle—such as an ambulance, fire truck or police car—designed to reach urgent incidents quickly and carry the tools, medical supplies or personnel needed to stabilize situations. Investors care because ERVs represent capital assets, service capacity and regulatory requirements for healthcare, municipal and private emergency providers; their availability and quality can affect operating costs, reimbursement, liability exposure and revenue reliability much like a delivery fleet affects a logistics business.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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The winners of BRP's 6th International Design Challenge imagined innovative vehicle architectures for an emergency response vehicle (ERV). (CNW Group/BRP Inc.)

ROVANIEMI, Finland, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - BRP Inc. (TSX: DOO) (NASDAQ: DOO) is proud to announce the winners of the 6th edition of its International Design Challenge in Rovaniemi, Finland. This year's design challenge brought together approximately 70 students from 8 universities* based in Finland, Canada, USA, France and the UK. Participants were invited to imagine an innovative vehicle architecture for an emergency response vehicle (ERV), integrating several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Endorsed by the World Design Organization, the BRP International Design Challenge enables students to put into practice their design thinking approach and creative skills 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.

"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," said Denys Lapointe, Chief Design Officer at BRP. "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."

And the winners are…

Through its Design Challenge, BRP celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of design students developing pragmatic solutions to environmental and natural disasters. Out of nearly 70 entries, 10 were selected as finalists, with at least one representing each university. The chosen students, accompanied by some of their professors, travelled to Lapland for a week of networking, learning, and immersion in northern design culture as part of the Arctic Design Week Goes Campus, hosted by the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland.

First prize

The first‑prize winner is Valentin Leboucher from Rubika in France. Valentin's concept seduced the jury with a very clever two‑in‑one vehicle architecture designed to tackle wildfires. The two‑passenger vehicle enables firefighters to approach the fire zone safely and then transforms into a protective base from which they can remotely operate a hose‑carrying rover positioned much closer to the intense flames.

Valentin's concept stood out for its thoroughness across all aspects of the design challenge. As the first‑place winner, he will be offered a six‑month paid internship at BRP's world‑class Design & Innovation Center in Valcourt, Canada.

Second prize

Second place was awarded to Kirtish Gaood from the College for Creative Studies in the U.S. Kirtish chose to focus on mudslides in Northern India. The jury appreciated the potential versatility of his concept and its analogy to traditional Sherpas, which inspired the project's name. His minimalist product architecture and narrow footprint offer agility and responsiveness, allowing access to damaged terrain and enabling the rapid evacuation of people to safe zones. Kirtish's project emphasizes deploying multiple units in critical situations where every second counts.

As the second‑place winner, he receives a monetary prize of 3,000 euros.

Third Prize

Third place goes to Antoine Rupp from Rubika in France. Antoine chose to develop a lifesaving solution for flood situations. His concept demonstrates strong empathy for injured victims through a system designed to smoothen the ride back using independently suspended linkages. The unique functionality of the vehicle introduces several clever features that help ease lifesaving manoeuvers.

As the third‑place winner, Antoine receives a monetary prize of 1,500 euros.

Design as a lever of growth for communities

BRP has a long-standing history of placing design and innovation at the centre of its philosophy and operations. By unveiling the winners during the Arctic Design Week Goes Campus, BRP emphasizes the essential role of design as a catalyst for regional development and cultural identity.

"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," said Ulla‑Kirsikka Vainio, Mayor of Rovaniemi.

"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," said Antti Syväjärvi, Rector, University of Lapland.

* Participating institutions: College for Creative Studies (Detroit, USA); Humber College (Toronto, Canada); LAB University of Applied Sciences (Lahti, Finland); Royal College of Art (London, UK); Rubika (Valenciennes, France); Strate School of Design (Paris, France); Université de Montréal (Montreal, Canada); University of Lapland (Rovaniemi, Finland).

About BRP

BRP Inc. is a global leader in the world of powersports products, propulsion systems and boats built on over 80 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Through its portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive brands featuring Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Quintrex boats and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft, BRP unlocks exhilarating adventures and provides access to experiences across different playgrounds. The Company completes its lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel portfolio to fully optimize the riding experience. Committed to growing responsibly, BRP is developing electric models for its existing product lines. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, BRP had annual sales of CA$7.8 billion from over 130 countries and employed approximately 16,500 driven, resourceful people as of January 31, 2025.

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Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Can-Am, Rotax, Quintrex and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE BRP Inc.

FAQ

Who won BRP's 6th International Design Challenge (DOO) held March 20, 2026?

The first‑place winner was Valentin Leboucher from Rubika with a wildfire ERV concept. According to the company, he earned a six‑month paid internship at BRP's Design & Innovation Center in Valcourt, Canada.

What prizes did BRP award at the March 20, 2026 Design Challenge (TSX: DOO)?

Prizes included a six‑month paid internship and cash awards of 3,000 and 1,500 euros. According to the company, first place receives the internship; second and third places receive €3,000 and €1,500 respectively.

How many students and universities participated in BRP's 2026 International Design Challenge (DOO)?

Approximately 70 students from eight universities participated in the 2026 edition. According to the company, institutions came from Finland, Canada, the U.S., France and the U.K., with 10 teams chosen as finalists.

What design brief guided BRP's 2026 International Design Challenge (DOO)?

Participants were asked to imagine emergency response vehicle architectures aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. According to the company, projects focused on disasters like wildfires, mudslides and floods with practical rescue features.

What does BRP aim to achieve by hosting the International Design Challenge (stock symbol DOO)?

BRP aims to nurture design talent and strengthen academia‑industry collaboration. According to the company, the challenge provides mentoring, networking, and real‑world design experience while highlighting design's role in regional development.