SIRESP Innovation Challenge 2026 Invites Students to Shape the Future of Mission-Critical Communications

National competition seeks ideas in networks and systems for emergency and security communications, with prizes of up to €5,000.

The SIRESP Innovation Challenge 2026 is inviting higher education students to develop innovative ideas under the theme “Innovation in Networks and Systems for Emergency, Security and Mission-Critical Communications”. SIRESP is the operator of the Portuguese national critical communications network. The national competition aims to connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges, welcoming technological and non-technological proposals.

Students may participate individually or in teams of up to three members, optionally with an academic supervisor. Each application must include a project report of up to 20 pages of main text, plus up to 20 pages of appendices, and a five-minute video introducing the team and presenting the project.

The submission deadline is 2 November 2026. The three finalists will be announced on 13 November 2026 and will present their projects at the SIRESP Bootcamp in northern Portugal on 26 November 2026.

Winners will receive €5,000 for first place, €3,000 for second place and €1,000 for third place. Prizes may be awarded in the form of equipment or goods provided by the competition’s sponsors or partners.

Instituto de Telecomunicações encourages its students, and those of its partner higher education institutions, to use this opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to challenges in critical communications.