BICYCLE DESIGNCHALLENGE 2026-27 9th Edition
Engineering the Future of Clean Mobility
Design, analyze, and manufacture highly efficient, ergonomic, and sustainable human-powered utility vehicles for mass-market scalability.
About BDC
The Bicycle Design Challenge (BDC) tasks engineering students with the goal of designing, fabricating, and evaluating an innovative utility bicycle. The competition challenges teams on ergonomics, lightweight materials, eco-friendly manufacturing, and mass-market business scalability.
Advanced Materials
Optimize structural frames using bamboo, carbon fibers, or high-performance aluminum alloys.
Hands-on Manufacturing
Translate custom computer-aided design files into working drive-train prototypes.
Sustainable Future
Engage in circular engineering by minimizing toxic compounds and utilizing green processes.
Event Highlights
Discover what awaits your engineering group during BDC 2026 trials
Design & Fabrication
Build a human-powered bicycle based on specified rules, ergonomics, and performance benchmarks.
Technical Evaluation
Present your concept, calculations, and design justifications to an expert jury panel.
Dynamic Performance
Compete in real-world riding conditions like obstacle courses, endurance tests, and speed trials.
Sustainability
Show your commitment to green engineering with sustainable and lightweight materials.
Tech Talk & Networking
Attend sessions with industry leaders, innovators, and startup founders.
Awards & Recognition
Compete for awards in Best Design, Innovation, Performance, and Sustainability.
Where Innovation Takes the Lead
Key Focus Areas to Guide Your Design
Engineering Targets
Performance Targets
Meet specific speed, weight, and durability benchmarks while maintaining affordability.
- • Speed: 25+ km/h
- • Weight: <15kg
- • Cost: Under ₹10K
Sustainability Goals
Implement eco-friendly materials and processes that reduce environmental impact.
- • Recycled Materials
- • Carbon Neutral
- • Biodegradable Parts
User Experience
Design for comfort, safety, and accessibility across diverse user demographics.
- • Ergonomic Design
- • Safety Features
- • Universal Access
Manufacturing
Ensure your design can be efficiently mass-produced with available technologies.
- • Scalable Production
- • Quality Control
- • Cost Optimization
Technical Envelopes
Frame Materials
Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, Steel, Bamboo
Drive Systems
Chain, Belt, Shaft Drive
Braking Tech
Disc, Rim, Regenerative
Smart Features
GPS, Sensors, Mobile Apps
Competition Structure
Chronological assessment modules evaluating computational analysis and prototype durability
Conceptualization & Ergonomic Simulation
CAD Design & FEA Analysis
- Detailed 3D Modeling of frame structures & joint geometries
- Finite Element Analysis for load distribution & stress vectors
- Ergonomic fit-check using digital human modeling tools
Bill of Materials & Cost Target
- Preparation of standard commercial BOM spreadsheet
- Cost optimization matching consumer price ceiling
- Procurement planning and raw material verification
Competition Timeline
Milestones and design reviews leading to the dynamic race courses
Team Registration
Teams submit their complete standard portal registration.
Preliminary Design Review
CAD mockups and finite element structural simulations evaluated by expert jury.
Mid-Term Fabrication Review
Physical chassis welding, drive-train assembly, and quality metrics check.
Final Event & Track Trials
Dynamic maneuvers, slaloms, business pitch, and champion crowns.
Workshop
Detailed hands on session on Materials selection, Reverse engineering , CAD designing & Vehicle Engineering
Event History
BDC 8th Edition
TKM College of Engineering,Kollam
Leadership
HOD / Principal
Dr. Mohammed Sadikh
Faculty Advisors
Inauguration VIP
Chief Guest
Mr. B Venkateswaran
General Manager, PD, TI Cycles of India, Chennai
Welcome Address
Dr. Mohammed Sadikh
Department of Mechanical Engineering TKM College of Engineering, Kollam
Presidential Address
Dr. Sadiq A
Principal, TKM College of Engineering, Kollam
Valedictory VIP
Guest of Honour
Mr. Senthilkumar Palanivel
Senior Manager, Bosch, Chennai
Presidential Address
Dr. Mohammed Sadikh
Department of Mechanical Engineering TKM College of Engineering, Kollam
Special Invitee
Mr. B Venkateswaran
General Manager, PD, TI Cycles of India, Chennai
Technical Judges & Evaluators
Expert panel overseeing the competition
Mr. B Venkateswaran
Technical Judge
TI Cycles of India, Ambattur, Chennai
Mr. P Ramachandran
Technical Judge
TI Cycles of India, Ambattur, Chennai
Mr. V Murugan
Technical Judge
Ashok Leyland Ltd Rtd
Mr. Senthilkumar Palanivel
Technical Judge
BOSCH LTD
Mr. Venkatesh Natarajan
Technical Judge
BOSCH LTD
Mr Sakkaraipandi A
Technical Judge
Cummins India
Mr Vignesh S
Technical Judge
El forge
Mr Deepak V
Technical Judge
ImageGrafix
Saravanakumar P
Technical Judge
Mr Manojkumar P
Technical Judge
ImageGrafix
Mr Sabarish E
Technical Judge
ImageGrafix
Dr E.Rajasekar
Technical Judge
Retired Professor ,IRTT
Mr Karunakaran G
Technical Judge
ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Ltd
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common queries regarding entry requirements, frame welding, and trials
What is the maximum team size for BDC?
The team can have up to 7 members from the same or distinct engineering disciplines.
Are electric assist motors allowed in BDC?
For BDC, it must be strictly human-powered. Any hybrid electric assist is prohibited unless specified in secondary categories.
Can multiple teams register from the same college?
Yes! Multiple teams can register from the same institution. Each team must work on independent design models.
What materials are allowed for frame fabrication?
Steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium, and bamboo composites are generally permitted. Refer to the official rulebook for specific restrictions.
When is the registration fee due?
Registration fees are due at the time of online registration. Late registrations may not be accepted.
Organizing Committee
Meet the experienced industry panel overseeing BDC execution
Dr Varunkumar B
Member, BDC 2026-27 Committee
Dr K Raja
Member,BDC 2026-27 Committee
Mr M Kumaresan
Member, BDC 2026-27 Committee
Mr Balaji B
Member, BDC 2026-27 Committee
Mr. Sabarish E
Member, BDC 2026-27 Committee