Emily Suzuki
The 2026 Autodesk Design and Make Awards recognized 25 winners selected from 52 finalists and nearly 300 nominations across architecture, engineering, and construction; design and manufacturing; and media and entertainment. The program celebrates the people, projects, and technologies behind work that is changing how the world is designed and made.
Six design and manufacturing winners use Fusion to address very different challenges: making water-quality data easier to access, improving race-car components, exploring more inclusive mobility, and scaling fiber-based packaging. Their work shows how connected design and manufacturing can help teams move from an early concept to something that performs in the field.
Hyundai rethinks short-distance mobility
Accelerating Transformation winner Hyundai Motor Company designed Nano Mobility for short trips in pedestrian and indoor spaces. Using Fusion Generative Design and Inventor Nastran, the team cut the frame’s average weight by 15.7% and increased its load capacity from 88 to 150 kilograms.
Learn more about Hyundai Nano Mobility here.
FDF Race Shop puts its own parts to the test
FDF Race Shop, the Small Business of the Year winner, develops suspension components in Fusion and tests them through founder Josiah Fallaise’s racing. The company also shares what it learns with students and automotive builders through workshops, media, and physical teaching models.
Learn more about FDF Race Shop here.
CLUIX brings water testing into the field
Making a Better World winner CLUIX Private Limited builds connected tools that help teams test water on site and track the results online. CLUIX reports that its systems have been used in more than 14 Indian states, with more than 10,000 tests recorded.
Pulpex and Robo Challenge build the machinery behind a paper bottle
Innovator of the Year winners Pulpex and Robo Challenge are working on both a fiber bottle and the production equipment needed to manufacture it at scale. Fusion gives the two companies a common view of the machinery and keeps design, machining, and inspection work connected as Robo Challenge produces its parts.
Learn more about Pulpex and Robo Challenge here.
Matt Linder grows TruckHouse through craft and teaching
Innovator of the Year winner Matt Linder leads TruckHouse, a Nevada company that makes carbon-fiber expedition vehicles. The team uses Fusion for work ranging from early part development and 3D printing to CNC programming. Linder also shares his manufacturing experience with students, entrepreneurs, and industry peers through mentoring, facility tours, and speaking engagements.
Learn more about Matt Linder and TruckHouse here.
Scott Yu-Jan turns everyday problems into hands-on lessons
Innovator of the Year winner Scott Yu-Jan uses Fusion to develop useful objects and documents the trial and error for his online audience. His project videos have received more than 80 million views. By releasing his design files, he also gives other makers a starting point for adapting his ideas to their own needs.
Learn more about Scott Yu-Jan here.