The University of Barcelona (UB) and Worldsensing are pleased to announce the launch of a Research and Development Contest under the UB Worldsensing Chair of Industrial IoT. This initiative continues the Chair’s mission to promote innovation, bridge academia and industry, and support the professional development of talented students.
The contest invites students and researchers from the UB—including undergraduates, Master’s, PhDs, and recent PhD graduates—to collaborate on innovative projects addressing key challenges in the Internet of Things (IoT) space. By participating, students will have the opportunity to work on real-world problems, develop their technical skills, and showcase their potential to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in IoT technology.
Contest overview
The competition is open to preferably interdisciplinary teams, encouraging collaboration among students from different academic backgrounds. While the topic of the project is flexible, it must address challenges related to Worldsensing’s field of activity and explore new technologies. Some of the suggested topics for the contest include:
- Efficient management of sensor networks
- Real-time analysis of massive data
- Security and privacy in IoT devices
- Energy optimisation in IoT devices
- Development of predictive algorithms for preventive maintenance
- Data processing with AI technologies
Participants are expected to develop a small demonstrator or ‘toy model’ of the proposed technology as a tangible proof of concept. This hands-on approach is designed to encourage practical problem-solving and innovation.
Prize and duration
The contest offers a 5,000€ prize to the winning team, which will provide funding for the development of their project. The selected R&D project will have a maximum duration of 4 months, ensuring a focused and intensive effort to achieve the desired outcomes.
Encouraging talent and innovation
Dr. Ignasi Vilajosana, CEO and co-founder of Worldsensing, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in nurturing innovation: “The university environment is an excellent reinforcement to help us nurture innovative technology in the industrial sectors we serve. Through this contest, we aim to inspire students to think creatively and work on impactful solutions that address real-world challenges in IoT.”
The contest also aligns with the Chair’s broader goals of promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering the professional development of young talent. By encouraging students to work on diverse topics such as AI, data analysis, and energy optimisation, the initiative seeks to prepare them for the demands of the modern IoT landscape.
Focus on practical outcomes
One of the distinctive features of this contest is its emphasis on practical, demonstrable results. Participants are required to develop a working prototype or demonstrator of their proposed technology. This approach ensures that the projects are not only theoretically sound but also have real-world applicability.
The focus on practical outcomes aligns with the Chair’s vision of fostering innovation that can make a tangible impact. By bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application, the contest aims to contribute to advancements in IoT technology that address pressing challenges in the field.
Why participate?
Participation in the R&D contest offers several benefits for students and researchers:
- Hands-On Experience: Work on real-world challenges and develop practical solutions
- Industry Collaboration: Gain insights and mentorship from experts in the IoT field
- Professional Recognition: Enhance your academic and professional profile with a high-impact project
- Funding: Receive 5,000€ to support the development of the project
Additionally, the contest provides a platform for students to showcase their skills and creativity, potentially opening doors to future opportunities in the industry.
Join the innovation journey
To participate in the contest, interested teams should submit their proposals by 28th February, 2025. All the eligibility criteria, contest rules and submission guidelines can be found at: https://seu.ub.edu/ajutsPublic/showPublicacion/630993
The UB Worldsensing Chair of Industrial IoT remains committed to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of technology leaders. This contest is a testament to the Chair’s dedication to bridging academia and industry, providing students with opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Whether you are an undergraduate, a Master’s student, a PhD candidate, or a recent graduate, this is your chance to contribute to the future of IoT technology. Don’t miss out—submit your proposal today!