Imagine a Connected World
Verizon is bringing the Smart Campus Competition to the university to challenge students to reimagine their personal experiences through innovation, and Verizon’s 5G and technologies. Collaborating with the university, student teams will identify an area of opportunity and conceptualize a solution utilizing Verizon’s 5G and technologies.
Competition by the Numbers
Winning Teams
Prizes for First, Second, and Third place teams
Award Money
$3,000 for each of the top 3 winning teams
Verizon Mentors
Professionals to guide teams along their way
Competition Overview
Co-innovate the future of connectivity and help advance Verizon’s network infrastructure. We challenge you to design, build, and engineer solutions that not only leverage but actually push the boundaries, optimize efficiency, and expand the capabilities of Verizon’s next-generation network architecture. We are looking for technical ideas that help Verizon evolve its network across three core engineering tracks:
- AI-Driven Automation and Efficiency Track: Build systems that use intelligent, real-time automation to optimize network traffic, streamline operations, and elevate performance.
- Cost and Sustainability Transformation Track: Engineer sustainable solutions and green-tech protocols that optimize hardware/software resource usage and reduce the network’s environmental footprint.
- Next-Gen Customer Experience Track: Architect next-generation applications and services that elevate how customers connect and interact with Verizon’s network.
Teams upload their video submission for the first round of judging; approximately 15 teams will be selected to advance to round two. Ideas will then be presented in poster form at the showcase at the end of January. Teams selected to advance will gain access to Verizon coaches, as well as a $500 stipend, to further develop their projects. We are incredibly excited to see what you can create, and what lasting impact you can make on your community!
Smart Campus Competition Events
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.
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?
For the first time the competition is open to ALL undergraduate students enrolled at Rutgers University. Teams must 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, Friday October 16, 2026.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 assigned coaches from Verizon. Top three teams will be chosen, who will each receive $3,000 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 three rounds:- Round One: Concept pitch video submission. Teams will upload their video submission for first round of judging. Approximately 15 teams will be selected to advance to Round Two.
- Round Two: Teams will create poster presentations which will be judged by Verizon mentors. Mentor support will be provided to teams invited to Round Two. Approximately seven teams will be selected to move to Round Three.
- Round Three: Project presentation. Finalist teams will have 10 minutes to present their fully formulated plan. Three teams will be selected into the Winners Circle.
- Winner's Circle: The winning three teams will present their ideas to Verizon and University leadership at a Verizon location.
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. -
General & Round One Guidelines
Round 1 Pitch Concept (Video Submission) Rubric Scorecard
Guidelines for Responsible AI Use
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 before the Round One concept pitch. 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