Hanoi:The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) has announced the winners of the third edition of the Non-Terrestrial Networks Global Research Competition, organized in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The competition, aimed at fostering research and innovation in the field of non-terrestrial networks, seeks to attract researchers and academics to develop innovative solutions for next-generation connectivity technologies and enhance the integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. The winners were revealed during the Global Space Connectivity and Sustainability Events.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the competition received 81 research papers from 280 researchers and academics, evaluated by more than 40 judges. The top prize was awarded to the paper "Affordable Connectivity from the Skies A Subsidy-Aware Pricing Framework for Satellite Services Under Public Budget Constraints." The second place went to "Commercial Aircraft as Sustainable Relays for Satellite Direct-to-Device Access," while "AI-Enabled Multi-Layer NTN for Rapid Target Acquisition in Desert Search and Rescue" secured third place.
The winning papers addressed various economic and technical issues. The first-place paper introduced a pricing framework for satellite services that supports government consumption and ensures inclusive service delivery. The second-place paper proposed transforming commercial aircraft into continuous operational relays to enhance satellite coverage. The third-place paper focused on using AI algorithms on high-altitude platform stations to expedite search and rescue missions in remote areas.
The competition has seen robust participation over its three editions, with more than 160 research papers submitted by over 440 researchers and evaluated by more than 60 judges from over 110 universities and research centers.