About the Competition
We invite students and researchers to participate in the Synchrophasor Anomaly Detection competition at the 5th International Conference on Smart Grid Synchronized Measurements and Analytics (SGSMA 2026), planned to be held on June 1–4, 2026.
This competition challenges participants to develop innovative algorithms that use synchrophasor data to accurately and rapidly detect and localize anomalies and events in electrical power networks. The competition provides a unique platform for showcasing expertise in data analytics, machine learning, algorithm development, and real-time power system monitoring.
Eligibility
Participation is open to students and research teams from accredited engineering programs at colleges or universities, scientists at research laboratories, or electric industry worldwide.
Objective
The primary goal is to advance the tools and techniques for anomaly/event detection and localization in smart grids using synchrophasor measurements. Participants will utilize the provided training data to develop robust models capable of accurately identifying and localizing anomalies or events in real-time synchrophasor data streams.
Competition Process
Applicants will receive both training and network data to build and fine-tune their models. The competition will take place in two stages:
1
Offline Hackathon
Feb. 15 – Apr. 15, 2026
- Participate in an off-line hackathon to build and refine your models using the provided training dataset.
- Competition guidelines and dataset are available here.
- Teams submit their code based on the training data plus a short technical report describing their solution.
- The top 3 teams will be selected as finalists based on performance.
2
On-Site Live Evaluation
June 1, 2026 — Santiago, Chile
- Representatives from the top 3 finalists will be invited and travel-supported to attend SGSMA 2026.
- During a pre-conference workshop, finalists will receive a new test dataset and run their submitted code live.
- Solutions evaluated on accuracy of detection and localization, speed, and efficiency using metrics like recall and precision.
Timeline
- February 15 – April 15, 2026 — Competition Period (Offline Hackathon)
- April 25, 2026 — Announcement of the Top 3 Finalists
- June 1, 2026 — On-Site Live Evaluation (Santiago, Chile)
Recognition and Awards
- Presentation and recognition during a pre-conference workshop panel
- Certificates for all three finalist teams
- Registration and travel support for 3 competition finalists
- Monetary prizes for the top 3 teams
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2nd Place
$500
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1st Place
$750
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3rd Place
$250
