The Software Defined Radio (SDR) University Challenge is an annual event that promotes the use of state of the art SDR hardware by engaging university students and their professors.The Challenge provides an ideal way to engage the academic community by providing teams the opportunity to develop hands-on SDR programing skills while working together to solve real world sensing, networking and communication problems. SDR allows enhancement of wireless devices via software upgrades, as opposed to traditional hardware-based radio, which requires physical intervention. University teams submit proposals the beginning of the academic year and selected teams are given an SDR kit provided by National Instruments, then turned loose to apply their skill and imagination in the design and prototyping of an SDR application of their choice.

Wright Brothers Institute (WBI), in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has hosted the challenge for the past 6 years. The Challenge runs annually and follows the academic year (October-April), with the university teams checking in regularly via monthly teleconferences between government and industry SDR experts to report their progress and collect feedback. The event culminates in an in-person Showcase with the top teams invited to Dayton, OH in late Spring to present and demonstrate their innovative work to AFRL leadership, industry participants, and fellow students as well competing for cash prizes. During the past 6 years, more than 65 unique teams/projects engaging with hundreds of students from more than 30 different universities across dozens of states and Canada have participated.

The SDR Challenge has facilitated collaboration between academia and AFRL, offering students valuable opportunities to showcase their unique skills. Advanced Skills developed by student participants during this year-long challenge typically fall into the areas of signal processing and radio frequency (RF) theory, along with related programming and software development. The challenge not only provides educational value, but has also become an attractive platform for industry partners seeking talented individuals. The challenge’s impact extends beyond the event itself, with the potential for growth and advancement in SDR technology.

The key objective for this challenge is to encourage universities to incorporate SDR technology into their undergrad and graduate curriculum as well as develop student skill in using and exploiting SDR related technology. Development and gaining proficiency in these types of skills are invaluable to the Aerospace and Defense sectors. For example, proficiency in MATLAB and Simulink equips students with powerful tools for efficiently developing, simulating, and validating software-defined radio (SDR) systems. The use of MATLAB offers a comprehensive environment for designing and implementing complex signal processing algorithms, alongside extensive simulation and testing capabilities to refine these algorithms before deployment. Its strong data visualization tools aid in analysing signal characteristics and debugging. Simulink facilitates system-level modelling and real-time simulation, using a graphical block diagram approach to integrate hardware and software components. Both MATLAB and Simulink support rapid prototyping and automatic code generation, accelerating development. Extensive toolboxes and libraries provide pre-built functions, while the industry-standard nature of these tools and their rich learning resources enhance students’ skills and employability. Furthermore, their collaborative features and automated documentation capabilities streamline project management and reporting, making them invaluable for SDR projects.

This Challenge addresses one of AFRL’s longstanding tenets: Encouraging the next generation of scientists and engineers to join AFRL in its mission to serve the soldier.By spotlighting Software Defined Radio (a technology area of high interest and relevance to the Air Force) and providing teams the necessary hardware, students are introduced to a technology of paramount importance to the DoD and industry, showcasing their ingenuity and skill to experts in the field.The challenge acts as a great introduction to AFRL and career possibilities in government research. AFRL directly benefits from the actual challenge results, findings, and potential applications in the outside-the-box creativity of the students; also, these student teams are introduced to AFRL in a very personal and practical way, interacting throughout the academic year with subject matter experts who guide and advise.

Continuous learning and skill development are crucial for success in engineering. Staying curious, pursuing advanced education, and developing soft skills are key components. Practical experience through hands-on projects, competitions, and innovation fosters real-world application of theoretical knowledge. Networking and mentorship build relationships with professionals and peers, providing guidance and support. Professional development involves improving communication, time management, and goal setting. Adaptability and resilience, including learning from failures and embracing change, are essential. These practices help build a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling engineering career, contributing meaningfully to the profession and society.

Involvement in student competitions fosters a passion for learning and innovation, offering hands-on experience and encouraging curiosity. Competitions develop future leaders through mentorship and leadership roles, and create networking opportunities in a collaborative environment. They set high standards, promote excellence, and provide recognition and rewards. Competitions also promote STEM education by showcasing real-world applications. Expected outcomes include skill development (both technical and soft skills), career advancement, academic growth, personal growth, recognition, and awards. Networking and mentorship opportunities arise, contributing to innovative solutions and community engagement. Competitions provide a global perspective and foster collaborative solutions, preparing students for successful careers.