About the competition
The PixArt University Innovation Challenge 2027 is a free international competition organized by PixArt Imaging Inc., a global leader in CMOS image sensing technology. Unlike traditional engineering competitions that provide a predefined problem, this challenge invites you to identify a real-world problem you care about and develop a working prototype using an eligible PixArt sensor from the published product list. Eligible sensors include designated Optical Tracking Sensors for tracking movement across surfaces and Smart Pixel Optical Sensors for motion, gesture, and object detection.
How it works: register and form a team of one to three by December 7 (US time), then submit a proposal by December 14 (US time). Shortlisted teams receive a free design kit and develop their prototype from March to July 2027. Finalists present and demonstrate their prototype to the judging panel online in September 2027.
Prizes: US$10,000 for first place, US$8,000 for second place, US$6,000 for third place, plus up to five US$3,000 merit awards. You also gain a portfolio project and exposure to industry professionals.
Who can enter: undergraduate and graduate students at accredited universities worldwide who will remain enrolled through September 30, 2027 (May 2027 graduates are eligible only if they continue to a higher degree and retain access to the student email used for registration). No experience with PixArt products is needed; electronics and embedded programming skills help.
How it works: register and form a team of one to three by December 7 (US time), then submit a proposal by December 14 (US time). Shortlisted teams receive a free design kit and develop their prototype from March to July 2027. Finalists present and demonstrate their prototype to the judging panel online in September 2027.
Prizes: US$10,000 for first place, US$8,000 for second place, US$6,000 for third place, plus up to five US$3,000 merit awards. You also gain a portfolio project and exposure to industry professionals.
Who can enter: undergraduate and graduate students at accredited universities worldwide who will remain enrolled through September 30, 2027 (May 2027 graduates are eligible only if they continue to a higher degree and retain access to the student email used for registration). No experience with PixArt products is needed; electronics and embedded programming skills help.
Prize
Cash Prize
First Prize x1:US$10,000 ; Second Prize x1: US$8,000; Third Prize x1: US$6,000; Merit Awards x5: US$3,000
Deadline
December 15, 2026
in 1 month
Eligibility
Bachelor, Master, PhD
Open worldwide unless noted.
