The SSPI Challenge

SSPIC 2026 – Smart Signal Processing Innovation Challenge: Overview: The Smart Signal Processing Innovation Challenge (SSPIC) is a fast-paced, hands-on technical competition focused on solving real-world signal processing problems using Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques. The competition tests participants’ ability to analyze signals, design efficient algorithms, and implement practical solutions for real-time applications. Participants will work on practical problems involving signal filtering, enhancement, and analysis using software or embedded platforms. The challenge emphasizes innovation, accuracy, efficiency, and real-world applicability of solutions. Problem Scope: Participants will work on signal processing challenges such as noise and artifact removal from biomedical signals. Tasks may include removing muscle artifacts in ECG signals. Signal filtering and enhancement techniques may be required. Participants may also perform feature extraction and real-time signal analysis. Tools And Platforms: Teams must design and implement solutions using tools such as MATLAB or Python with libraries like NumPy and SciPy. Embedded system implementations using microcontrollers are also permitted. PC-based signal processing systems may be used for real-time analysis. Team Structure: Each team can consist of 1–2 participants. Teams may include members from multiple universities. All participants must be undergraduate students from any academic year. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged. Problem Format: Participants will be given two problem statements. Each problem may include raw signal datasets such as noisy biomedical signals like ECG. Problems will contain specific objectives such as removing 50 Hz noise or detecting signal peaks. Constraints such as real-time processing requirements or memory limitations may also be included. Allowed Platforms: MATLAB. Python using libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, and PyTorch. Embedded systems using microcontrollers provided by the organizers such as STM32H7A3 or Raspberry Pi 4. PC-based real-time signal processing systems. Study Materials: Participants may refer to the NPTEL Digital Signal Processing course by IIT Delhi. Study resource: Click Here Evaluation Criteria: Technical correctness and explainability of the solution – 70%. Solutions must be mathematically justified with proper explanations for each step. Participants may lose half of the marks in this criterion if the solution works but lacks mathematical proof. Novelty and originality of the approach – 10%. Correctness and accuracy of the final output – 20%. Use of machine learning methods is strictly prohibited and will result in zero marks. Rules: The competition follows an open-book format. Participants may use study materials such as textbooks, research papers, and notes. Use of mobile phones and internet access is allowed. AI tools may also be used during the competition. Outcome: Participants gain hands-on experience in practical DSP problem solving. The challenge focuses on solving real-world signal processing problems such as EEG and ECG signal analysis.