Student Innovation Challenge
The Minimalist Edge AI Challenge invites student teams to tackle AI bloat by transforming large AI models into lean, green, high-performance machines capable of running on constrained edge hardware.
Co-organized with the IEEE Computer Society and powered by Qualcomm.
Date: October 13, 2026 | Location: Santa Clara University
Join the Discord Community | Register through the SEC 2026 conference site | View Competition Flyer (PDF)
Competition Results
Congratulations to the winners of the SEC 2026 Student Innovation Challenge!
Hardware Track
1st Place: Edge Visionaries
Md Nafis Tahmid Akhand (Louisiana Tech University), Md Mahfuzul Haque Gazi (Louisiana Tech University), Komala Subramanyam Cherukuri (University of North Texas)
2nd Place: Luxo III
Tongtong Wang (Santa Clara University), Victor Joulin-Batejat (Santa Clara University)
3rd Place: SafeCue
Samrithi Balaa Saravanan (Santa Clara University), Nidia Jupudi (Santa Clara University), Faith Ogunfunmi (Santa Clara University), Sunjana Banwait (Santa Clara University)
Software Track
1st Place: Quantax
Yefeng Yuan (Santa Clara University), Yulin Zeng (Santa Clara University), Scott Wang (Santa Clara University)
2nd Place: Chilly Ships
Jacob Cho (University of Southern California), Jungoo Kim (University of Southern California)
3rd Place: Valiant Joy
Weiyao Chang (Santa Clara University), Yuanzhen Yang (Chung Yuan Christian University)
Challenge Highlights
| 2-4 students Undergraduate and graduate teams |
Two tracks Software optimization or hardware deployment |
Sept. 6, 2026 Team registration deadline |
Build Leaner AI for the Edge
As AI models become larger and more resource-intensive, the challenge is clear: how can we keep AI powerful while making it efficient enough to run directly on edge devices?
Participating teams will deploy a complex AI workload, such as real-time multi-object tracking or environmental anomaly detection, onto low-power hardware. Teams will optimize model accuracy, model compression, resource efficiency, and energy parsimony.
Choose Your Track
Software Optimization Track
Focus on AI algorithms, model compression, TinyML, data science, and efficient inference.
- Compete in a virtual development environment.
- Optimize models without dedicated hardware.
- Explore lean, energy-efficient AI techniques.
Hardware Deployment Track
Deploy an end-to-end solution on Qualcomm edge AI hardware and demonstrate a working prototype.
- Build with Qualcomm Arduino UNO Q hardware.
- Work with microcontrollers, C++, and systems engineering.
- Showcase efficient AI in a real edge deployment.
Qualcomm Support
- Arduino UNO Q hardware kit shipped to participating teams.
- Qualcomm trainings and technical mentoring.
- Virtual development environment.
- Onsite technical support.
Awards and Opportunities
- $4,500 in total cash prizes across both tracks.
- 1st Place: $1,000; 2nd Place: $750; 3rd Place: $500 for each track.
- IEEE Computer Society swag.
- Complimentary IEEE Computer Society Student Memberships.
Registration and Updates
Team registration deadline: September 6, 2026.
The official registration opened on July 16, 2026. Teams should include 2-4 undergraduate or graduate students from a recognized university.
The flyer notes a $50 per team registration fee that is 100% refundable when the team shows up at the event.
Register through the SEC 2026 conference registration site and join the Discord community for competition announcements, technical updates, and early notifications: SEC 2026 conference registration | https://discord.gg/V29ZXCTFR5
Competition Flyer
View or share the official one-page flyer for the challenge: Open Flyer (PDF).
