2025 IEEE University of Leicester Student Branch Circuit Design Contest
April 1, 2025-July 15, 2025
University of Leicester IEEE Student Branch
Overview
Organized by the IEEE University of Leicester Student Branch Circuit Design Contest Executive Committee (CDCEC), the CDC’25 is an international competition fostering innovation and collaboration in circuit design. Co-sponsored by leading IEEE societies and industry partners, this contest invites undergraduate and postgraduate students worldwide to tackle real-world engineering challenges using electronics, embedded systems, and circuit design. Participants gain hands-on experience, expand their professional networks, and compete for prestigious awards.
Key Dates
Official Launch
Registration Deadline
Preliminary Review Submission
Final Submission Deadline
Awards Ceremony
Contest Rules
Design Scope
- Focus on analog/digital circuits, embedded systems, or mixed-signal solutions (e.g., sensors, power electronics)
- EDA Tool: EasyEDA (mandatory for PCB design; free download: EasyEDA)
Requirements
- Submit a working prototype or verified simulation with documentation
- Budget: ≤￡200 per project
- Originality: Designs must be student-developed, not reused from prior projects
Open-Source Principle
- All finalists must publish schematics, PCB layouts, code, and documentation as open-source
Submission Materials
Preliminary Review (May 15, 2025)
- Proposal including project plan, functional description, innovation highlights, component list, cost breakdown, progress report, and references
Final Submission (July 4, 2025)
- 100-word abstract, block diagrams, schematics, technical report (2–4 pages), 3-minute demo video (with IEEE/EasyEDA logos), prototype/simulation results, and source code
Eligibility Criteria
Affiliation
- Open to undergraduates (UG) and postgraduates (PG) enrolled in 2024–2025 at:
- University of Leicester (School of Engineering, UK)
- Dalian Leicester Institute (China)
IEEE Membership
- ＞51% of team members must be IEEE Student Members
- Team leader must be an IEEE Student Member affiliated with their university’s IEEE branch
Team Composition
- Size: 2–4 students (each participant can join only one team)
- Cross-Campus Requirement: At least 2 members from different campuses (e.g., UK and China)
- Gender Diversity: ≥1 female member (UG or PG)
- Senior Member Limit: ≤1 postgraduate as mentor/team member
Registration & Team Formation
How to Register
- Submit a team registration form (template provided) via email to cy118@student.le.ac.uk by May 14, 2025
- Use the subject line: “Hardware Contest Information of Participating Team”
Team Formation
- Self-organize or use the IEEE Student Branch website (http://www.uolieee.org) to connect with peers
- Fill out the participant form for assistance from CDCEC in team matching
Judging Criteria
- Innovation: 35 points
- Functionality: 45 points
- Cost Efficiency: 15 points
- Progress: 15 points
Contest Phases
Phase 1: Registration
Promotional events, team formation, and submission of registration forms
Phase 2: Preliminary Review
Submit proposals for technical feasibility and innovation evaluation
Reimbursement: $200 for finalists to cover project expenses
Reimbursement
Global finals at the University of Leicester
Live prototype demonstrations and prize announcements
Prizes
First Prize
- ￡150
- IEEE Certificate
- Intelligent Gift
Second Prize
- ￡50
- IEEE Certificate
- Intelligent Gift
Industry Award
- ￡50
- IEEE Certificate
- Intelligent Gift
Best Innovation Award
- ￡50
- IEEE Certificate
- Intelligent Gift
Woman-in-Electronics (WiE) Award
- ￡50
- IEEE Certificate
- Intelligent Gift
- Open to female IEEE Student Members demonstrating technical leadership
PowerLeicester Award
- ￡50
- IEEE Certificate
- Intelligent Gift
- Requires ≥75% of team members to be IEEE PELS members
Contact Us
If you have any questions, you can also use the link Q&A About CDC'25.xlsx to leave your questions, our CDCEC will give answers as soon as possible
