SoutheastCon hosts multiple student competitions each year. Use the explorer below to browse each track.
IEEE at USF Program Structure Update
This is a new structure where we are opening up SoutheastCon participation to the full IEEE at USF club as a
technical program. Previously, we sponsored the Hardware Design Team as their Senior Design capstone.
Going forward, the Technical Chair will assign participation across the different competitions based on member interest.
For Hardware specifically, the Main Competition group will consist of capstone members, while the
Open Section Hardware team will consist of IEEE at USF club members.
Our autonomous robot takes on the hardware competition field.The hardware team with the robot they designed, built, and programmed.
Competition Explorer
Select a competition to view a quick overview, key requirements, and status.
2027 Hardware Competition: Stock Car Race
Teams design and program a fully autonomous robot for a race-themed challenge.
Robots complete 3 laps, execute a required pit stop, and avoid penalties from wall or obstacle contact.
Official manual: Game Manual 2, Rev 1.0 (March 15, 2026).
Core Constraints
Robot starts within 12 in x 12 in x 12 in.
Autonomous operation only during match play.
Match duration is 3 minutes maximum.
Apriltag determines required pit stop zone.
Scoring Highlights
Finish in 3 minutes or less: +100 points.
Green flag start: +10 points.
Pit stop, assigned stop, and assigned finish are each scored.
Penalties apply for early starts and collisions.
Season Notes
Game title: Stock Car Race.
Manual revision: 1.0 (03/15/2026).
Conference window: April 15-18, 2027.
Official Q&A responses override manual wording.
Match Flow
Robot starts from the Start Box when green flag drops (or legal manual start).
Robot runs 3 laps on the racecourse.
Robot takes one required pit stop after lap 1 or lap 2.
Robot parks in Apriltag-assigned pit area (1-4).
Robot re-enters course and finishes in assigned area.
Field Setup
Field footprint is 4 ft x 8 ft with racecourse and pit area.
Apriltag is randomized to assign pit area before each match.
Two vehicle obstacles are randomly placed on straightaways.
Game element and field setup tolerances are +/- 1 inch.
Scoring Breakdown
Finish in 3:00 or less+100
Time bonus+1 per full 10s under 3:00
Start from green flag+10
Required pit stop+15
Stop in assigned pit area+15
End in assigned pit area+15
School emblem displayed+25
Publicity contest entry+10
Early start penalty-15
Gray wall/barrier contact-15 (max once)
Vehicle obstacle contact-15 each
Need to estimate your match score quickly?
Use the dedicated calculator page for a cleaner, mobile-friendly scoring workflow.
Robots and game elements must remain within the field envelope.
Unsafe behavior or field damage can end a match and trigger cards.
No external control signals are allowed during autonomous play.
After randomization, teams cannot interact with randomized elements.
Teams should include reliable emergency stop behavior for retrieval.
Software Competition
The SoutheastCon Software Competition is a game-jam style challenge focused on creativity,
technical implementation, and polished execution under time constraints.
Important Disclaimer
The details below are based on the 2026 Software Competition rules.
2027 official rules are pending and may include schedule, format, and submission changes.
2026 Reference Timeline
January 1, 2026: Registration opened.
February 11, 2026: Registration closed.
March 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM: Competition began and theme was released on the SoutheastCon Discord.
March 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM: Competition ended; teams submitted by flash drive.
Team Structure and Participation
Each Student Branch may field one Main team.
Additional teams may participate in Open Competition, depending on event logistics.
Teams can have up to four students.
Graduate students are allowed and count as two undergraduate roster spots each.
All team members are expected to be physically present at SoutheastCon for submission logistics.
Submission Package (2026 Reference)
Working Windows executable of the game.
Demonstration video (MP4) showing gameplay and technical achievements.
CREDITS.txt including third-party assets, AI tools used, and pre-existing frameworks/modules.
Rules and Judging Focus
Public assets/tools allowed with proper attribution; plagiarism/copyright violations are prohibited.
Projects should be original and created during the event period.
Judging categories include theme adherence, technical complexity, and overall functionality.
Teams should optimize for stability, clarity, and complete user experience within the time window.
Ethics Competition
The SoutheastCon Ethics Competition includes preliminary and final rounds that evaluate team reasoning,
written analysis, and presentation of ethical decision-making.
Competition Timeline
January 1, 2027: Ethics registration opens.
March 1, 2027: Registration for the Ethics Competition closes.
April 16, 2027: Ethics prelims occur at SoutheastCon, including a writing round and grading round.
Teams can expect writing before the Friday reception, with grading at least one hour after the reception begins.
April 17, 2027: Ethics finals occur at SoutheastCon in the morning.
Each team should plan to spend 30 minutes with judges.
Teams can register for this competition by
clicking here.
Expected Team Sizes
Each branch can have one team in this competition.
Team size must be 3-4 students.
One student on each team serves as a designated grader during prelims.
Each team must also bring a grader.
Prelims Format
Prelims are a written essay round based on an ethics prompt.
Teams have 45 minutes to write and submit their essay.
No internet access is allowed during writing; teams may only use Microsoft Word.
Graders are separated, trained briefly, and assigned three blind essays to evaluate.
Each essay receives three grader scores; the average determines the team score.
Top 4 teams advance to finals, and all students must attend the full prelims process.
Finals Format, Equipment, and Preparation
Finals are presentation-based for advancing teams only.
Finalist prompt is released Friday evening; presentation submission deadline is 10:00 AM Saturday.
Each team receives a 30-minute judge slot (8-10 minute presentation plus Q&A).
Bring two laptops for prelims (writers + grader) and one laptop for finals with HDMI output.
All laptops should have internet, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint; bring power cables (extension cord recommended).
Teams should review the IEEE Code of Ethics and practice tracing case facts to relevant code elements.
SoutheastCon Circuit Design Competition
The IEEE Region 3 Circuit Design Competition provides participating students with a circuit design
challenge and all required material to complete the challenge on-site.
Teams work during a four-hour challenge to build a proof-of-concept prototype, complete as many
optional tasks as possible, and submit documentation in a report and video.
Competition Timeline
January 1, 2027: Competition rules are posted and registration opens.
March 1, 2027: Registration closes.
April 16, 2027: Competition occurs at SoutheastCon.
Setup begins at 1:30 PM, competition runs 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by 30 minutes for cleanup and exit.
Teams can register for this competition by
clicking here.
Expected Team Size and Composition
Each branch may register one main team plus one optional open team.
Open teams may be limited based on space and resource constraints.
Open team approval status is provided within one week after registration closes, if space is available.
Team size is capped at five members.
Graduate/undergraduate mixed teams are allowed with a maximum of two graduate students.
Allowed combinations: five undergraduates, one graduate + three undergraduates, or two graduates + one undergraduate.
Recommended Team Skill Mix
Arduino-based software
Digital and analog circuitry
Schematic capture
Photo and video documentation
Report and proposal writing
Optional AI prompt experience
Technical Challenge Scope
Students can expect challenge requirements and deliverables appropriate for teams that have completed
at least one year of EE/ECE coursework.
The competition will include a mix of analog and digital circuitry interfaced to an
Arduino Mega 2560.
T-Shirt Competition
The SoutheastCon T-Shirt Competition (Student Branch Promotional Competition) recognizes branch branding,
design quality, and presentation of promotional materials.
Competition Timeline
April 16, 2026 at 8:00 PM EST: Registration for the competition closes.
By this deadline, students must turn in their physical t-shirt to the SoutheastCon front desk
and submit their design review materials.
April 17, 2027: Winners are announced at the SoutheastCon banquet.
There is no separate form registration for this competition.
Entry and Team Limits
Each branch can submit one design for this competition.
Submission is counted when both required items are provided: physical shirt + design review submission.
If branches submit designs to earn hardware points, points apply to only one robot per design entry.
By default, points go to the branch’s main robot; if no main robot exists, points go to the open robot.
Submission Requirements
Turn in a physical t-shirt at the registration desk before the deadline.
Complete and submit the branch design review materials before the close time.
Follow IEEE and school branding/logo usage requirements in your design.
Judging Focus
Design and branding compliance
Creativity and originality
School identity and audience impact
Feasibility, thoughtfulness, and cost awareness
What This Means for IEEE at USF Members
This competition is a chance for our branch to showcase creativity, professionalism, and team identity
at SoutheastCon. A strong design helps represent IEEE at USF well and can contribute competition value to our
overall branch performance.
If you are interested in design, branding, or digital art, we want your ideas. Members who care about
this competition are encouraged to submit concepts so we can review options and build the strongest entry.
Interested in contributing a design? Reach out to IEEE at USF Marketing via
marketing@ieeeusf.com.
Website Competition
The SoutheastCon Website Competition evaluates branch websites based on content quality, usability,
presentation, and technical execution. Each branch can submit one website entry.
Competition Timeline
January 1, 2027: Registration opens. Branches can register and submit their URL by clicking here.
April 14, 2027: Competition registration closes. Students must submit their website by this point
and be prepared for judging at any time after this deadline.
April 17, 2026: Winners are announced at the SoutheastCon banquet.
Entry Rules
Each branch can submit one branch website to this competition.
Websites should be complete and ready for judging during SoutheastCon.
There are no in-person activities required for this competition; judging is fully virtual.
Judging Focus
Content quality and relevance
Navigability and working links
Originality and overall presentation
Portability across browsers and screen sizes
Load performance
Important Build Notes
Use clear, up-to-date branch information in English.
Prefer relative links for internal pages.
Keep media optimized to improve load times.
Ensure branding and logos follow IEEE and school usage guidance.
What This Means for IEEE at USF Members
Our IEEE at USF Board is building this website as our branch’s competition entry. This gives members a chance
to contribute ideas for content, presentation, and technical improvements while representing our chapter at SoutheastCon.
