Open Call for Huawei France Tech Arena Challenge

Deadline: 13-Nov-2026

The Huawei France Tech Arena Challenge invites students and recent graduates across the European Union to solve real-world technology problems in Optical Networks and Data Communications. The competition offers a total prize pool of EUR 11,000 per track, with a Grand Prize of EUR 5,000, while selected participants may also receive internship opportunities, certificates, and souvenirs from Huawei. The Huawei France Tech Arena Challenge is a technology competition designed for students and recent graduates interested in engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, and related fields. The challenge focuses on practical problems connected to modern telecommunications and networking technologies. Participants are expected to develop innovative solutions using skills such as: Participants can also interact with Huawei mentors and industry experts during the competition, providing an opportunity to gain exposure to real-world technology challenges. The Huawei France Tech Arena Challenge includes two main problem tracks. The Light Chaser track focuses on Optical Networks and challenges participants to develop solutions for fast and accurate autofocus optimization. Participants can apply analytical modelling, optimization and simulation techniques to address the technical problem. The Future Network track focuses on Data Communications and challenges participants to develop robust WiFi-based people-counting solutions. The track provides an opportunity to work on practical networking and data communication challenges while applying technical problem-solving skills. Each track has a total prize pool of EUR 11,000 per challenge problem.

The awards include:

In addition to cash prizes, selected teams may also receive: The prize structure provides participants with both financial recognition and potential exposure to professional opportunities. The competition is open to eligible students and recent graduates in the European Union.

Applicants must:

Students from different levels of higher education can participate.

Eligible participants include:

Yes. Teams can register for one or both competition tracks. Participants therefore have the flexibility to focus on a single technical problem or explore challenges across both Optical Networks and Data Communications. Each track has its own registration and submission phases, so participants should review the requirements and timelines for the specific track they intend to enter. The competition provides an opportunity for students and recent graduates to demonstrate practical technical skills, including: The challenges are based on real-world technology problems, allowing participants to apply academic knowledge to practical industry-oriented scenarios. Participation in the Huawei France Tech Arena Challenge can provide several benefits beyond the competition prizes.

Participants can

For students and recent graduates interested in telecommunications, networking and technology, the competition can also provide exposure to industry-oriented problem solving. The competition is organised around the two technical tracks: Light Chaser and Future Network.

Participants should

Because each track has its own registration and submission phase, applicants should carefully follow the relevant competition schedule. Participants can prepare by strengthening their understanding of the technical areas covered by their chosen track.

Useful preparation may include:

Teams should also ensure that their proposed solutions directly address the assigned challenge. Before registering, applicants should confirm that they: It is a technology competition for eligible EU students and recent graduates focused on solving practical problems in Optical Networks and Data Communications. The total prize pool is EUR 11,000 per track. The Grand Prize is EUR 5,000 per challenge problem. The 1st Place Prize is EUR 3,000, the 2nd Place Prize is EUR 2,000, and the 3rd Place Prize is EUR 1,000 per challenge problem. The two tracks are Light Chaser, focused on Optical Networks, and Future Network, focused on Data Communications. The Light Chaser track focuses on developing solutions for fast and accurate autofocus optimization in Optical Networks. The Future Network track focuses on robust WiFi-based people counting in Data Communications. Yes. Teams can register for one or both tracks, subject to the applicable registration and submission requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, registered at a higher education institution in the European Union, studying or recently graduated within the last three years, and pursuing engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics or a related field. Yes. Undergraduate, master’s and PhD students are eligible to participate if they meet the other requirements. Yes. Recent graduates are eligible if they graduated within the last three years and meet the other eligibility requirements. No. Huawei employees are not eligible to participate. Yes. Selected teams may be eligible for internship opportunities and may receive certificates and souvenirs. The Huawei France Tech Arena Challenge gives eligible EU students and recent graduates an opportunity to apply technical knowledge to real-world problems in Optical Networks and Data Communications. With EUR 11,000 available per track, mentorship and industry exposure, and potential internship opportunities, the competition combines technical problem-solving with opportunities for recognition and professional development. For more information, visit Huawei.