The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) has announced the launch of the 3rd edition of the “Non-Terrestrial Networks 2026” International Research Competition, organized in partnership with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
The competition aims to attract researchers and academics from around the world to develop innovative ideas and solutions in the field of non-terrestrial networks, to develop of next-generation wireless communications and integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
The competition winners will be announced in October 2026 during the “Global Space Connectivity and Sustainability Events”, hosted by CST in Riyadh.
The competition target researchers, graduate students, and recent PhD graduates, inviting them to submit research papers on non-terrestrial network concepts and technologies, their role in advancing sustainability, and their potential to expand future connectivity solutions.
All submissions will be evaluated by an international judging panel including leading scientists and experts in the field of non-terrestrial networks.
CST stated that the deadline for submissions through the EDAS platform is 10 August 2026.
The top ten submissions will be selected to present their work during a dedicated session at the event.
They will also compete for three cash prizes of 15,000$ for first place, 10,000$ for second place, and 5,000$ for third place.
The previous two editions of the competition attracted broad international participation, receiving more than 80 research papers submitted by over 270 researchers from 47 countries, representing 114 universities and research centers.
The submissions were evaluated by 33 scientific reviewers, reflecting the growing global interest in research and innovation in NTN technologies.
This competition is part of CST’s ongoing efforts to promote research and innovation in future communications technologies and to foster global research collaboration in developing technical solutions that build an integrated and sustainable communications ecosystem, in line with international directions of the communications and space sectors.
Source: https://www.cst.gov.sa/en/media-center/news/N2026070400
