Verizon Smart Campus Competition

Rutgers School of Engineering hosted the second annual Verizon Smart Campus Competition, bringing together interdisciplinary student teams to design technology solutions addressing real-world campus challenges. The competition encourages students to explore how emerging technologies—including 5G connectivity, IoT systems, and edge computing—can transform the campus environment.

Finalist teams presented their projects before a panel of leaders from Verizon and Rutgers during the Final Presentations held March 4, 2026 at the Busch Student Center. After deliberation, judges selected three teams—AeroBin, EchoClass, and RU Experience—as this year’s grand prize winners.

The winning teams later presented their ideas at Verizon’s Basking Ridge Campus where they joined student innovators from other universities (NJIT, Northeastern) for the competition’s Winner’s Circle and a discussion on the future of university–industry collaboration.

The Smart Campus Competition Finals brought together students, faculty, and industry leaders for an evening showcasing innovative ideas designed to improve the campus experience.

Seven finalist teams presented their solutions to a panel of Verizon executives and technology leaders, each delivering a 10-minute presentation followed by questions from the judges. Projects addressed a wide range of campus challenges—from sustainability and infrastructure to student safety, wellness, and digital engagement.

The evening concluded with deliberations by the judging panel and the announcement of three grand-prize winning teams.

The Winning Teams

AeroBin
Project: Smart Waste Monitoring System

AeroBin transforms ordinary waste receptacles into intelligent, network-connected bins using a solar-powered IoT sensor retrofit. The system monitors bin fill levels in real time and uses AI-driven analytics to optimize waste collection routes, reducing unnecessary pickups and lowering fuel consumption.

By leveraging Verizon 5G Ultra-Wideband and edge computing, AeroBin enables rapid data transmission and scalable deployment across campus environments. The solution offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional smart waste systems, with sensors priced around $100 per unit and potential operational savings through improved waste management efficiency.

Team Members:

• Aiden Annis (Electrical & Computer Engineering, 2028)
• Azra Bano (Electrical & Computer Engineering, 2028)
• Isaac Howe (Finance 2028)
• Arnav Kumar (CS & Data Science ’27)

EchoClass
Project: SafeRoute – Real-Time Campus Safety Navigation

EchoClass developed SafeRoute, a real-time navigation system designed to improve campus pedestrian safety. The platform integrates distributed sensors, mobile navigation tools, and a centralized dashboard to identify potential safety risks and guide users toward safer routes across campus.

Using Verizon’s 5G IoT infrastructure and edge computing, SafeRoute continuously evaluates environmental conditions and incident reports to dynamically adjust recommended walking routes. The system enables faster situational awareness for students and provides campus administrators with tools for proactive safety management.

Team Members:

• Partha Pedriredla, (Electrical & Computer Engineering, 2027)
• Shiv Patel, (Electrical & Computer Engineering, 2027)
• Bridget Perez, (Biology, 2027)
• Roger Pokhai, (Chemical Engineering, 2027)

RU Experience
Project: Augmented Reality Sports Fan Experience

RU Experience introduces an augmented reality platform designed to transform the live stadium experience. Using a web-based AR interface powered by 5G connectivity, the system overlays real-time player statistics, play breakdowns, and interactive features directly onto the live game environment.

The platform allows fans to access enhanced analytics and interactive sponsor experiences without requiring additional hardware. By combining 5G Ultra-Wideband connectivity and Multi-Access Edge Computing, RU Experience demonstrates how immersive digital tools can increase fan engagement and unlock new revenue opportunities for athletic venues.

Team Members:

• Rahul Koppisetti, (Computer Science, 2027)
• Ryan Kuran, (Electrical & Computer Engineering, 2027)
• Jesse Sawhney, (Electrical & Computer Engineering, 2027)
• Saatvik Kabra, (Computer Science, 2027)

Winner’s Circle at Verizon Headquarters

Following the competition finals, the winning Rutgers teams traveled to Verizon’s Executive Briefing Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, where they joined student innovators from other universities for the Smart Campus Winner’s Circle and Partnership Meeting.

During the event, student teams delivered brief presentations highlighting their projects and reflecting on their experiences participating in the competition. The program also included a panel discussion between university and industry leaders exploring the evolving partnership between Rutgers and Verizon and the role of universities as testbeds for emerging technologies.

Participants concluded the event with an innovation session and networking opportunity, during which students showcased their projects and engaged with Verizon engineers and technology leaders about future collaboration.

A Growing University–Industry Partnership

The Smart Campus Competition reflects a growing partnership between Rutgers University and Verizon, centered on innovation, experiential learning, and real-world problem solving.

Through mentorship, coaching, and judging, Verizon engineers and executives work directly with Rutgers students, helping them translate classroom knowledge into practical solutions using technologies such as 5G networking, edge computing, artificial intelligence, and IoT systems.

As campuses increasingly become living laboratories for emerging technologies, initiatives like the Smart Campus Competition highlight how collaboration between universities and industry can accelerate innovation while preparing the next generation of engineers and technologists.