Global Drone Virtual Competition 2026

Kick off 2026 with an exciting drone competition. Solve real-world engineering problems and gain hands-on experience with MATLAB and Simulink—the tools powering breakthroughs in aerospace, robotics, and automotive.

You’ll compete virtually with peers worldwide, enhance your simulation skills, and design a line follower algorithm in a photorealistic Unreal Engine integrated Simulink 3D environment to win exciting rewards. Each level pushes your algorithm’s ability to follow complex paths, adapt to changing weather conditions, and perform a precise landing. Can your skills meet the challenge?

Register for the competition Submit your entry

Competition Details

Develop a robust line follower algorithm for a drone in Simulink using relevant toolboxes while leveraging your vision-based logic implementation skills. Create a model that can conquer any complex track in challenging weather conditions.

The submitted models will be evaluated across three levels of challenging tracks: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The drone must successfully follow the track, adapt to weather variations, and perform a controlled soft landing on a dedicated landing circle.

Below are three track examples to inspire your design.

Beginner track

Intermediate track

Advanced track

For detailed track-building instructions, refer to the rules and guidelines.

Compete as an individual or form a team of 1 to 4 members and collaborate to take on the challenge. This competition is open to students worldwide.

Get Ready to Take Off

  1. Apply to receive the competition materials.
  2. Watch the MathWorks Global Drone Student Challenge Overview (4:16) video to better understand the challenge details.
  3. Review the competition rules and guidelines.
  4. Complete the MATLAB Onramp, Simulink Onramp, Stateflow Onramp, Image Processing Onramp, and Computer Vision Onramp courses before starting to work on your algorithm.
Register for the competition Submit your entry

Competition Timeline

Registration deadline February 20, 2026
Submission deadline March 6, 2026
Results announced March 31, 2026

Win Exciting Rewards

  • Cash prizes for top entries
    • First place: $750 (USD)
    • Second place: $300 (USD)
    • Third place: $200 (USD)
  • LinkedIn recommendations for the top 3 teams
  • An exclusive opportunity for the winning teams to interact with a drone expert at MathWorks
  • In addition, the winning team may receive direct entry into the 2026 in-person minidrone finals, subject to event terms and conditions. Refer to the rules and guidelines for details.

No participation fees

Free self-paced tutorials

Complimentary MathWorks software

Overview of Global Drone Virtual Competition

Get an overview of the MathWorks Global Drone Virtual Competition, including the problem statement, Simulink model, evaluation process, and key resources.

MathWorks Minidrone Competition Video Series