SEDIC26
Strategic Electronic
Defence Innovation
Challenge 2026

SEDIC26 theme:

AI for Adaptive Defence and Security

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.

Register here

Important dates

👥
Team Registration
1 June – 30th July 2026
↓
⏱️
Deadline for preliminary round
15 August 2026
↓
🏁
Final team announcement
30 August 2026
↓
🏆
Hackathon day
5–7 October 2026

About SEDIC26

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 join SEDIC26

  • Innovation & collaboration – Work alongside leading researchers and defence experts to turn ideas into impactful solutions.
  • Hands-on experience & mentorship – Build practical skills in AI, cybersecurity, and defence technology while receiving guidance and feedback from academia/industry experts.
  • Networking opportunities – Connect with key stakeholders in Malaysia defense and gain access to resources that can help bring your idea to life.
  • Awards & recognition – Top teams will be selected by a panel of experts and awarded prizes.
About SEDIC26

Challenge Tracks

Track I

Project Overwatch: Cognitive Cyber Electromagnetic Activities

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.

Track II

Advanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

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 and 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.

Grant Prize
RM 5,000
1st Runner Up
RM 3,000
2nd Runner Up
RM 1,000
Consolation Prize ×2
RM 500

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can participate in SEDIC 26?
SEDIC 26 is open to all Malaysian University Students! We encourage the participation of undergraduate and postgraduate students from a large variety of areas, including engineering, computer science and more.
2. Do I need prior experience in defense or data-related fields to participate?
No, you don't! The event welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds and encourages collaboration among individuals with various skills and expertise.
3. Are there prizes for winning teams?
Yes, the winning team of SEDIC 26 will receive cash prizes.
4. What is the registration deadline?
The registration deadline for SEDIC 26 is 30th July 2026. However, spots are limited, so we strongly suggest you do not wait until the last minute.
5. Is there a registration fee for participants?
There is a registration fee of MYR 50 to prevent no-shows. Please refer to our registration page for detailed information about fees and payment methods.
6. Can I join more than one team?
No. Each participant can only join one team during the event.
7. How many people are in a team?
Each challenge corresponds to a team of 3 to 5 university students, with a maximum of 1 postgraduate student. However, the organising team may adjust team sizes depending on overall participation and team composition needs.
8. When and where is SEDIC 26 taking place?
SEDIC 26 will be held in conjunction with the CYBER SIAGA event on 5–7 October 2026. Location will be announced soon.
9. Is the event in-person or virtual?
SEDIC 26 is planned as an in-person event. However, please stay updated on event announcements in case there are changes due to unforeseen circumstances.
10. Do I need a pre-formed team to participate, or can I join as an individual?
Yes, you need to participate as a team.

Organising Committee

Role Name Institution
Chair Kol (K) Prof. Dr. Khairol Amali bin Ahmad Universiti Pertahanan Malaysia
Co-Chair Prof. Ir. Dr. Nur Emileen Abdul Rashid Universiti Teknologi MARA
Secretary Dr. Siti Noormiza binti Makhtar
Dr. Nur Diyana Kamarudin		 Universiti Pertahanan Malaysia
Universiti Pertahanan Malaysia
Treasurer Dr. Izni Husna binti Idris Universiti Pertahanan Malaysia
Head of Technical Programme PM Dr. Mohd Fais Mansor Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Head of Secretariat Ts. Dr. Norsuzlin binti Mohd Sahar
Prof. Dr. Norbahiah Misran		 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Promotion and Publicity Dr. Khairul Khaizi Mohd Shariff Universiti Teknologi MARA
Sponsorship and Industry Relations Kmdr Khairuddin Md Tap
Tuan Hadi		 Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia
Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia