Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. | Busch Student Center - Multipurpose Room, Piscataway
Imagine a Connected Campus
The Verizon Smart Campus Competition challenges students to reimagine the campus experience through innovation and 5G technology. This initiative asks teams of sophomores and juniors to identify a campus issue and conceptualize a solution utilizing smart technologies.
A student competition using 5G technology, sponsored by Verizon
Competition by the Numbers
Winning Teams
3
Prizes for First, Second, and Third place teams
Award Money
$3,000
$3,000 for each of the top 3 winning teams
Verizon Coaches
12
Professionals to guide teams along their way
Competition Overview
Modernizing technology infrastructure. Alleviating parking and transportation challenges. Enhancing administrative processes. Improving health and well-being. As students at Rutgers University, you have firsthand experience with what issues facing the campus are most pressing, and if addressed, can have the greatest positive impact on the Rutgers experience. We want to encourage students to think innovatively and create real-world solutions to address these challenges. Anchored in engineering, and benefitting from disciplines across the campus, it is our hope that students can come together to design meaningful and feasible solutions.
Ideas will first be presented in poster form at the Round One Showcase in November. Teams selected to advance will gain access to Verizon Coaches, as well as a $500 stipend, to further develop their project. We are incredibly excited to see what you can create, and what lasting impact you can have on your community!
Verizon Tech Hub
Verizon has graciously curated the following articles and resources to help our participants understand and access these technologies for use in project development.
Competition Timeline
Meet the Verizon Coaches
These Verizon professionals from all facets of the organization have volunteered to provide expertise and insights to teams as they develop their projects. Read more about each coach below!
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Smart Campus Competition?
The Smart Campus Competition is an initiative aimed at encouraging students to develop innovative solutions that leverage technology to improve the campus experience. This could include projects related to sustainability, connectivity, campus services, and more.Who can participate in the competition?
The competition is open to all second and third year undergraduate students enrolled at Rutgers University. Teams must be include at least three engineering students. Interdisciplinary teams are highly encouraged.How do I register my team?
Teams can register by completing the registration form available on the competition’s official webpage. Ensure all team members’ details are included and submit before the registration deadline, September 30th, 2024.What if I don't have a team?
You may register individually for the competition, and you will be placed on a team by the competition coordinators. -
What are the prizes for the competition?
Teams advancing to the final round will receive a $500 stipend to utilize in further project development, and the chance for one-on-one interaction with field experts through the Verizon Mentor Hub.
Top three teams will be chosen, who will each receive $3000 to split evenly amongst team members.How will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the final round. The results will also be published on the competition’s webpage and through university communication channels. -
What is the format of the competition?
The competition consists of two rounds:- Round One: Teams present their posters and give a short presentation to judges.
- Finals: Selected teams will develop their projects further and present a more comprehensive demonstration.
Howe are the projects evaluated?
Projects are evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, impact, and presentation. Judges will look for creative solutions that are well-researched and effectively address a real campus need. -
What types of projects are acceptable?
Projects should aim to solve a problem or enhance the campus experience using technology. This can include, but is not limited to, areas such as sustainability, campus safety, accessibility, and student engagement.
Are there any specific requirements for the project submissions?
Yes, projects must include a detailed problem statement, a value proposition, and a demonstration of how the solution works. Teams must also prepare a poster and a brief presentation for the Round One Showcase. -
Are there any resources available to help us develop our project?
Yes, teams will have the opportunity to attend a drop-in consultation session at two different times before the Round One Showcase. They will also have access to online resources to guide them through the development process. Teams selected to move on to the Final Round will have access to the Verizon Mentor Hub, a group of Verizon professionals with expertise in technology, product development, and business practices. -
For more information about the competition, please contact:
Matt Hollingshead
mh1517@soe.rutgers.edu