Magna challenges students to help shape the car of 2030

Canadian auto parts supplier Magna International is inviting college students to predict future car technology trends through a new student innovation challenge.

Aurora, Ont.-based Magna is asking college students to answer questions such as: What features will the car of 2030 have? What will it look like? How will it perform?

Students attending a college or university in Canada, Mexico or the U.S. are invited to submit their ideas by November 15, 2015, for a chance to attend CES 2016 in Las Vegas and compete in a team innovation competition with a total prize purse of $30,000.

“We look forward to hearing new ideas from the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs and consumers, and we are excited to both mentor and learn from them,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna’s chief technology officer. “CES showcases the latest automotive technologies in key areas such as autonomous driving, vehicle-to-vehicle communication and cybersecurity, and it provides the ideal forum to inspire students as they compete in our innovation challenge.”

To apply, students must submit a 500-word essay describing their idea along with three additional pages of supporting material. Entries will be judged on innovation and creativity, feasibility, and benefits/improvements to the consumer experience.

Nine finalists will travel to Las Vegas as guests of Magna at CES 2016 where they will form teams to compete in the three-day innovation challenge. During the challenge, students will have an opportunity to network with industry leaders, engage in hands-on discussions with Magna’s R&D team, and experience the largest consumer electronics show in the world.

The challenge results will be announced on Friday, January 8, 2016, at Magna’s booth in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information, visit www.magna.com/studentinnovationchallenge.