IEEE TEMS Education IoT & AI Challenge – Region 9
The IEEE TEMS IoT & AI Challenge – Region 9 is an initiative designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical problem-solving among students through the application of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The program brings together students, mentors, universities, and industry professionals to develop solutions that address real challenges in Latin America.
Registration is now open for the current edition: https://forms.gle/yTu4scFzVUQindac8
Participation details, timelines, and program information are provided below.
Vision
To cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship in IoT and AI by engaging students across Region 9 to apply emerging technologies to solve real challenges in their communities.
Program Overview
Objective
Equip students with practical IoT and AI skills through experiential learning and competition-based engagement.
Key Actions
- Identify real-world IoT and AI use cases relevant to regional challenges.
- Provide training, mentorship, and technical guidance to support the development of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
- Foster collaboration between academia, industry, and IEEE volunteers.
Expected Outcomes
- Build a regional community of innovators with expertise in IoT and AI.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurship.
- Showcase winning projects at IEEE events and conferences.
- Enable pathways for further development and potential commercialization.
Program Structure
The challenge follows a multi-phase framework designed to guide teams from ideation to prototype development.
A. Ideation Phase
Participants receive introductory training and develop project ideas, which are evaluated through pitch sessions. Selected teams advance to the next phase.
B. Education and Technical Support Phase
Teams receive structured training modules, mentoring, and technical support to design and develop their Minimum Viable Products.
C. Local Demo Days
Participating countries or IEEE Sections organize demo days to select the teams that will represent them in the regional finals.
D. Regional Finals
Finalist teams present their solutions to a panel of experts and industry representatives, where winning projects are selected.
Education Modules
The program includes a structured curriculum designed to support the development of viable technological solutions:
- Value Proposition Development
- Functional and Non-functional Requirements
- Business Model Design
- Design Thinking
- Marketing Strategy
- Minimum Viable Product Development
- Pitching and Communication
Modules may be delivered through webinars, workshops, or hybrid learning formats.
Timeline
The challenge is conducted over several months and includes training, project development, and evaluation stages.
Detailed milestone dates and schedules are communicated to registered participants through official channels.
Organizing Committee
The IEEE TEMS IoT & AI Challenge – Region 9 is coordinated by the IEEE TEMS Education Committee in collaboration with regional volunteers, technical advisors, and partner institutions.
The chair of the organizing committee in 2023 was Gustavo Giannattasio (Uruguay), and in 2024 the chair was Dr. Eldon Caldwell (Costa Rica). The 2025 edition was also chaired by Dr. Eldon Caldwell.
2025 Organizing Team (Last Completed Edition)
- Dr. Eldon Caldwell, Costa Rica (Chair)
- Charlen Máximo Calero Huaman, M.Sc., Peru (Technical Committee Chair)
- German Moya, MI, Engineer, Costa Rica (Judges Team Chair)
- Natalia Ureña, Engineer, Costa Rica (Marketing and Multimedia Chair)
- Alejandra Orellana, Engineer, Ecuador (Training Sessions Chair)
Technical Advisors (Reference)
- Kevin Martínez, M.Sc., Engineer, Peru
- Dr. José Galindo, México
- Dr. Paul Sanmartín, Colombia
- César Viloria, M.Sc., Engineer, Colombia
- Gustavo Giannattasio, M.Sc., Engineer, Uruguay (Project Manager)
2026 Organizing Committee R9
- Dr. Cesar Vilora-Núñez, Colombia (Chair)
- Dr. Ricardo Enrique Peña Ruiz, Colombia (Technical Committee Chair)
- TBD (Judges Team Chair)
- MBA Jessica Lopez-Garcia, Mexico (Marketing and Multimedia Chair)
- TBD (Training Sessions Chair)
Evaluation Framework
Projects are evaluated based on a standardized framework that ensures consistency and transparency across participating countries.
Participant Engagement
- Number of registered teams
- Training participation and completion
Skill Development
- Learning outcomes and knowledge assessments
- Integration of IoT and AI technologies
Project Quality
- Clarity of solution and MVP functionality
- Technical feasibility and innovation
Impact
- Relevance to real regional challenges
- Potential for scalability or implementation
Stakeholder Engagement
- Mentor participation
- Jury feedback
Diversity and Inclusion
- Multidisciplinary team composition
- Geographic representation
Operational Efficiency
- Adherence to timelines
- Completion of program milestones
Participation
Students, universities, mentors, and IEEE volunteers across Region 9 are invited to participate in the challenge.
The program encourages interdisciplinary teams and projects that address societal, environmental, industrial, or technological challenges.
Registration
Registration for the current edition is open: https://forms.gle/yTu4scFzVUQindac8
Interested teams should follow the official registration process and stay tuned to IEEE TEMS communications for updates and deadlines.
