BITS Design School Student Atharva Lele Secures Global Recognition in AGP Design Contest

Atharva Lele, a third-year student at BITS Design School (BITSDES), Mumbai, has secured third place in the September 2026 edition of the AGP Design Contest, an international automotive design competition organised by Agorapode.

Lele’s achievement places him among the leading entries in a competition that brings together emerging designers and experienced professionals from the automotive design industry. According to a report published by City Air News on October 14, 2026, the contest also featured established industry professionals, including automotive designer and author John A. Frye and Ádám Csesznok, an exterior designer at Mercedes-Benz.

Aircraft-Inspired Racing Car Concept Earns Recognition

For the September edition, Lele presented a futuristic racing car concept titled Matra Aérospatiale F-WTSS. The design draws inspiration from aircraft aesthetics and explores how aviation-inspired forms can influence the appearance and structure of high-performance vehicles.

The concept features a low-slung body and streamlined proportions, reflecting an approach that combines visual appeal with functional considerations and aerodynamic thinking.

The project highlights the role of conceptual design in exploring new possibilities for future mobility. By drawing on ideas from aviation, Lele’s work demonstrates how designers can look beyond conventional automotive styling to develop distinctive vehicle concepts.

International Platform for Emerging Designers

The AGP Design Contest provides a platform for designers to present their ideas and receive exposure beyond their immediate academic or professional environments. Lele’s third-place finish in the September 2026 edition marks a significant achievement during his design education.

Participation alongside experienced automotive professionals also offers emerging designers an opportunity to engage with industry-level design thinking and evaluate their work in an international competitive setting.

BITS Design School’s Focus on Design Innovation

BITS Design School, established under the aegis of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, focuses on developing designers equipped to address challenges across disciplines through creative thinking, technology and industry engagement.

Lele’s performance in the AGP Design Contest brings international attention to student-led automotive design work and illustrates how academic projects can provide a platform for exploring ideas relevant to the wider mobility sector.