More than 1,400 participants joined a competitive challenge to design the best Minecraft-based prototype of the Atom electric car. The event culminated in Kazan at the Bashir Rameev IT park, where the project was presented and evaluated. The panel of judges highlighted how the design combined a bold, futuristic exterior with a welcoming, well-appointed interior and practical, functional capabilities. The emphasis was not only on aesthetics but also on how the virtual model translated into a believable driving experience within the game world.
The team behind Atom intends to showcase a working prototype as early as 2023, with ambitions to roll out Atom in a full production run by 2025. The project began in 2021 in Naberezhnye Chelny, supported by KamAZ, and over the years it has evolved into an international collaboration drawing in more than 250 car designers and IT professionals from around the globe. This diverse group has contributed to a platform where automotive engineering meets software development, creating a hybrid product that blends hardware with programmable software features the owner can tailor to personal needs.
In the developers’ view, Atom is more than just a battery-powered vehicle. It represents a dynamic fusion of car and software—a gadget on wheels that invites owners to program and personalize many of its functions. This approach positions Atom as a living system, where software updates and configurable options can redefine the driving experience, potentially appealing to tech enthusiasts in Canada and the United States who seek both performance and customization. The project’s emphasis on modularity and user-programmable capabilities underscores a broader shift toward software-driven mobility that resonates with modern automotive trends across North America.
As the team explains, Atom’s concept centers on empowering users with flexible control over hardware and software interfaces, aiming to deliver a seamless blend of practicality, fun, and innovation within a single platform. The development work highlights not just the car’s potential energy efficiency and reliability but also the ways in which digital tools can enhance everyday use, safety, and personal expression on the road. The project stands as a case study in how cross-border collaboration can accelerate the design and testing of next-generation electric vehicles, while inviting communities to imagine new ways to interact with mobility in a rapidly evolving market.
Note: The information reflects project announcements and public statements made during the event and subsequent updates from the development team.