Jointly Organized by EP Education & SMARTHON

The 1st SMARTHON Cup
Singapore Smart City AI Challenge

// Empower Youth Innovation • Shape a Smart Future

Enhancing STEAM knowledge, broadening international horizons, and bringing fresh youthful creativity to Singapore's world-class Smart City vision.

Countdown to Briefing Session 2 (Dec 21, 2026)

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Briefing Session Registration

Track Themes

🏙Singapore Smart City

Design innovative applications that enhance urban living, community management, and modern digital infrastructures.

🏠️Singapore Smart Home

Create innovative smart home applications that enhance everyday living, home automation, and connected digital experiences through AI and IoT.

🌱Smart & Green Singapore

Develop sustainable and eco-friendly technological solutions powered by AI and IoT to contribute to a greener city environment.

AI Application Elements

🌐 AIoT Applications

Combine ESP32 (IoT:bit) and ThingSpeak for real-time data cloud uploading and analytics.

📷 AI Camera

Deploy deep learning vision models for vehicle, human face, and object recognition.

🎙️ AI Voice Interaction

Through the voice module, connect to the AI module for voice interaction and dialogue.

📊 AI Automated Analytics

Integrate with n8n for automated workflow and data analysis.

Hardware Requirements

Participating teams must prepare the following equipment

Required

micro:bit

The programmable main controller of your project, with built-in LED display, buttons and sensors.

Required

IoT:bit

Wi-Fi expansion board for micro:bit. Connect sensors and actuators without soldering and send data to the internet.

Competition Kit

Smarthon AIoT Kit

Sensors, LED modules, a servo, and various structural elements for building interactive AIoT and smart application projects.

Optional

AI Camera

The common camera module like kittenbot KOL and huskylens etc

Optional

AI Voice module

Adds voice control: recognise spoken commands and let your project respond to them.

Schedule & Timeline

Sep 21, 2026 Publicity Launch & Registrations Open

Nov 06, 2026 Competition Briefing & Workshop (Session 1) Ended

Dec 21, 2026 Competition Briefing & Workshop (Session 2) Register Now ➔

Jan 15, 2027 Registration Deadline Register Now ➔

Feb, 2027 Training Workshops

Apr 14, 2027 Grand Finals & Award Ceremony FINALS

Jul 14, 2027 International Competition (Hong Kong)

Rules & Regulations

❖ Eligibility

➢Open to Schools & Institutions in Singapore & Malaysia

❖ Age Categories

Primary: Ages 7–12

Secondary: Ages 13–18

❖ Team Rules

➢Each team: 1 mentor + 2–4 students.
➢Entries must be completed personally by students.
➢Original works only. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

❖ Registration Fee

➢Fee: SGD $50 / Team

❖ First Round Submission

➢Deadline: March 01, 2027 (Cloud Upload)
➢Overview: Max 500 words summary
➢Artifacts: Concept artwork & system architecture
➢Video: 5-minute project introduction video
➢Top 10 shortlisted teams advance to Finals.

❖ Finals & Hardware Guidelines

➢Model Size: Max A2 (420x594mm), Height ≤ 500mm.
➢Controllers: BBC micro:bit & Smarthon IoT:bit (ESP32).
➢Sensors: 4 sensors from each kit in both tracks.
➢Materials: Custom/eco-friendly (3D print, cardboard, LEGO).
➢Presentation: 7-min pitch + 2-5 min Q&A defense.

Evaluation Matrix

Rigorous & Objective Professional Evaluation Standards

The judging panel comprises STEM education experts and university professors from Singapore and Hong Kong, alongside senior Smarthon AIoT architects, delivering a comprehensive assessment of students' innovation and technical implementation.

Fair & Engaging

Teams will be evaluated independently according to their respective category (Primary / Secondary Division).

Track Theme 35%

Innovative Design / Content Concept 15%

Craftsmanship & Construction Quality 15%

Applied Smart AI Technology 10%

Technical Video Report / Presentation Board 10%

On-Site Technical Defense 10%

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) 5%

Awards & Recognition

Top Honors

🏆 Champion|🥈 1st Runner-up|🥉 2nd Runner-up

Special Recognition Awards

Best AI Innovation Award Best Smart Nation Solution Award Best Future Concept Award Best Sustainable City Award Best Engineering Design Award Best Presentation Award Best Team Collaboration Award Most Commercial Potential Award Best School Participation Award

Grand Finals Venue

Singapore

📍 to be announced

Apr 14, 2027