April 27, 2022: Wright Brothers Institute (WBI), in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is proud to host the awards presentation culminating the successful end to the fourth annual “Beyond 5G Software Defined Radio University Challenge.” This hybrid event will feature a team showcase and awards ceremony on Friday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at WBI’s headquarters, 5000 Springfield Street, Dayton.
Software Defined Radio (SDR) is a platform deemed ideal for exploring communication, sensing and networking applications: it is expected that SDR architects will be in high demand because of the highly congested electromagnetic environment. SDR allows enhancement of wireless devices via software upgrades, as opposed to traditional hardware-based radio, which requires physical intervention. Each team was 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.
WBI and AFRL jointly designed this Challenge to enhance current technology portfolios and attract the next generation workforce for this technology area. The Challenge runs annually and follows the academic year (October-April), with the teams checking in regularly via monthly teleconferences to report their progress and collect feedback. A total of 17 teams representing 15 universities across the United States participated.
The teams’ working prototypes will be judged by a panel of SDR experts at this week’s Beyond 5G Software Defined Radio University Challenge Showcase, culminating in Friday’s awards presentation where more than $10K in cash and prizes will be awarded. The public is welcome to attend the virtual awards ceremony. This is a free event; pre-registration is required. Click here to register. An agenda is available on the registration site.
The teams participating in this year’s Challenge are:
- University of Boston
- University of Cincinnati (3 Teams)
- University of Houston (2 teams)
- Fresno State/Ottawa
- University of Massachusetts-Boston/Fresno State/Ottawa
- University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio Northern University
- Rutgers University
- Stevens Institute
- Texas A&M University
- Texas A&M Commerce
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Wright State University
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About Wright Brothers Institute
Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) is a cutting-edge innovation and technology commercialization center for the Air Force Research Laboratory, with facilities located just outside of WPAFB in Dayton, OH. We drive fast, agile innovation that enables successful technology development to solve the Air Force’s most complex challenges by leveraging resident experts, unique facilities, disruptive innovation processes, and extensive networks. We leverage subject matter experts and intellectual property from AFRL and SBIR companies to unlock the right problem, connect to new partners and synchronize transition pathways through our commercialization partners.
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