Seventh Annual Computer Society International Design Competition CSIDC

The purpose of CSIDC 2006 is to advance excellence in computer science and computer engineering education by encouraging teams of students to design and implement computer-based solutions to real-world problems. The competition emphasizes teamwork in the design, implementation, and testing of a computer-based system.

The theme of this year's competition is Preserving, Protecting and Enhancing the Environment.  This theme covers any aspect of the environment.  The spirit of the competition is ingenuity and originality in using PCs or hand-held computers to create a computer-based system performs a socially useful function.  Teams are encouraged to take a PC, laptop, hand-held computer (or similar device) and use additional low-cost hardware/software to create a computer-based solution to a problem that is socially valuable.
Students work first at their home institutions and then, if they’re chosen to be among the top ten finalists, in live finals in Washington, DC, for a top prize of $20,000.
Teams participating in CSIDC 2006 are invited to design and construct a computer-based system that solves a problem of the team's own choosing. A team must select a problem of importance to society; for example, a system that minimizes the use of energy by an automobile.
Teams taking part in CSIDC 2006 are encouraged to take a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving, and not all members of the team need be computer science undergraduates.
Teams are free to select their own project subject to the published guidelines. However, projects that bear a strong resemblance to previous CSIDC projects or commercially available systems are very unlikely to be acceptable to the judges.  Basic "medical monitoring" projects such as EKGs or pulse monitors are ineligible because such topics have appeared in so many previous reports. Projects that are purely computer science oriented (for example, compiling technology or the simulation of a new computer architecture) are not eligible.  However, teams may use Bluetooth Wireless technology (or any other communications technology) to link two or more computers. 

The competition is about students working together to design a system and stresses teamwork. Projects will be partially judged on the way in which a team works together (e.g., by the division of tasks between the members).

Teams must submit their project title and a short (1 or 2 line) description of the project by email before 24:00 GMT on 7 January 2006.  The purpose of this reporting requirement is to ensure that teams are adhering to the theme of the competition.

Teams must submit a four-page interim report by email before 24.00 GMT on 14 February 2006. The purpose of this report is to allow a preliminary selection to be made. This report will consist of the title of the project and its goals, together with a progress report that indicates the current status of the project and a timetable for the remainder of the project period. Further information on the precise format of the interim report will be placed on the website. The purpose of the interim report is to filter out any teams that stand little or no chance of making it to the World Finals.