SEDIC 26
Welcome to SEDIC Hackathon 2026
Timeline of SEDIC 26
Team Registration
1 June 2026.
Deadline for Preliminary Round
15 August 2026.
Final Team Announcement
30 August 2026.
Hackathon Day
5-7 October 2026.
Final pitch & Evaluation, and Winners Announcement.
Calling all university students across Malaysia! This is your opportunity to develop AI-based solutions that contribute to strengthening national defence capabilities. If you are passionate about emerging technologies and ready to help drive Malaysia’s defence innovation forward, we want you on board.
About SEDIC 26
Strategic Electronic Defence Innovation Challenge (SEDIC) is a national-level hackathon focused on defence and security innovation for university students. Participants are challenged to develop AI-based solutions that enhance defence capabilities through faster, smarter, and more reliable approach. This year’s theme, “AI for Adaptive Defence and Security”, focuses on artificial intelligence in two domain areas: radio frequency (RF) and visual information.
Why Participate?
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Innovation & AI: Push the boundaries of AI in defence by building cutting-edge solutions that address real-world national security challenges.
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Real-World Impact: Transform theoretical concepts into practical tools. Solve complex problems in RF intelligence and maritime surveillance.
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Expert Mentorship: Gain hands-on guidance from industry leaders and academic experts dedicated to your technical growth and success.
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Networking opportunities: Connect with key stakeholders in Malaysia defense and gain access to resources that can help bring your idea to life.
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Awards & recognition: Top teams will be selected by a panel of experts and awarded prizes.
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Who Should Join?
University students in Malaysia are eligible to participate. Each team must consist of 3 to 5 members, with a maximum of one postgraduate student per team.
When and Where?
Registration period: Register between 1 June 2026 to 15 August 2026.
Event date: 5th – 7th October 2026
Location: Kompleks MITEC, 8, Jalan Dutamas 2, Kompleks Kerajaan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Challenges
SEDIC 26 Theme: Cognitive Cyber Defence with AI
Project Overwatch: Cognitive Cyber Electromagnetic Activities
Problem Statement:
The RF Track aims to develop AI-based signal detection and classification systems for Cyber & Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA). Students will work with raw IQ data to identify communication signals, radar pulses, and frequency-hopping transmissions under both clean and noisy environments.
Full technical requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines are available [here].
Advanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
Problem Statement:
The Visual Track aims to develop AI-based object detection and classification systems for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Participants will develop AI models to detect and classify civilian vessels, small craft, and military assets from maritime images and videos across multiple viewing perspectives.
Full technical requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines are available [here].
Rules & Prizes
Teams must consist of three (3) to five (5) members, comprising undergraduate students, with a maximum of one (1) postgraduate student permitted per team. All participants must be Malaysian citizens and must be actively enrolled in a local university or college at the time of registration.
Grand Prize
RM XXXX
1st Runner-Up
RM XXXX
2nd Runner-Up
RM XXXX
Consolation Prize
RM XXXX
Frequently Asked Questions
Organizing Committee
Chair
Kol Prof. Dr. Khairol Amali bin Ahmad (Bersara)
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
Deputy Chair
Prof. Ir. Dr. Nur Emileen Abdul Rashid
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Secretary
Dr. Siti Noormiza binti Makhtar
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
Treasurer
Dr. Izni Husna binti Idris
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
Head of Technical Programme
PM Dr. Mohd Fais Mansor
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Head of Secretariat
Ts. Dr. Norsuzlin binti Mohd Sahar
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Head of Secretariat
Prof. Dr. Norbahiah Misran
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Promotion and Publicity
Dr. Khairul Khaizi Mohd Shariff
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Sponsorship and Industry Relations
Kmdr Khairuddin B Md Tap
Tuan Hadi
Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM)
Organiser
Technical Supporters
UPNM
TLDM
STRIDE
For further enquiries, contact us at sedic2026@upnm.edu.my