IoT Challenge 2026: Classic IoT & Edge AI – Engineering Solutions Contest Results

May 14, 2026 – Lviv, Ukraine — The finals of the 4th all-Ukrainian engineering contest, IoT Challenge 2026, took place in Lviv. The event was organized by Indeema jointly with the Faculty of Electronics and Computer Technologies of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.

This year’s challenge stood out with a revamped format: instead of traditional presentations, the finals were held as an open engineering exhibition. Hosted by the Department of Radiophysics and Computer Technologies at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, the event allowed students to move beyond presentation slides. Participants demonstrated working hardware prototypes, engaged with guests, and received actionable expert advice to implement into their future project updates.

Technological Freedom: Classic IoT vs. Edge AI

The 2026 projects focused on Classic IoT & Edge AI, giving participants a strategic choice: build architectures using the traditional “device-to-cloud” approach or develop autonomous systems featuring local data processing.

“This year, we expanded the contest to give students a choice between proven classics and promising Edge AI. The solutions demonstrated both solid architectural design and genuine engineering creativity. Our shared goal with Indeema is to support talented engineers who are building the technological future today,” noted the Head of the Jury, Professor Ivan Karbovnyk, Head of the Department of Radiophysics and Computer Technologies at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.

IoT Challenge 2026 Winners

Six teams from across Ukraine entered the final stage. Following the jury’s evaluation, the top spots were awarded as follows:

• 1st Place – Gamma (Lviv Polytechnic National University) An offline GPS tracking system using LoRa technology and a mobile app for autonomous tourist group safety and geofencing.
• 2nd Place – Hangar 18 (Odesa Polytechnic National University) A gamified IoT rehabilitation platform for children with ASD, combining a gyroscope-equipped balance board with data analytics to track development.
•  3rd Place – ESP (Ivan Franko National University of Lviv) An EW-resistant ground robotic complex using fiber-optic communication and on-board AI for real-time tactical reconnaissance and target classification.

A Launchpad for Growth and Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

For the participants, the challenge was more than just a contest – it was a chance to push past theoretical boundaries. Alongside financial grants awarded to the winning teams for further project development, the primary value for the students lay in gaining hands-on hardware development experience and joining a strong tech community.

“I highly recommend entering the challenge next year because it’s a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and do what you truly love. You have to prioritize the project, but you get tangible results. Plus, a huge bonus is meeting like-minded people and working with awesome companies like Indeema,” shared a member of the winning Gamma team from Lviv Polytechnic National University.

The open exhibition format proved that Ukrainian students are ready to build far more than abstract applications or web pages – they are launching viable hardware startups you can hold in your hands, which are already undergoing real-world user testing.