Sustain the System

Build systems that know when they need attention. Predict failure. Prevent waste.

Extend the life of the systems our world depends on.

Welcome to the Sustain the System competition! Sustainability is at the core of Nordic's technology and innovation. Using Nordic Semiconductor's nRF54LM20 DK and Bluetooth® technology, build a predictive monitoring solution that helps equipment, infrastructure, or natural resources last longer through early detection and proactive maintenance.

Your challenge is to create a system that detects degradation or other issues before they lead to failure, waste, or replacement. The nRF54LM20A/B can run machine learning models that enable edge computing. Examples include:

Equipment

• Bearing wear detection
• Pump health monitoring
• HVAC predictive maintenance
• Conveyor motor monitoring
• Generator monitoring
• Solar inverter health tracking
• Smart irrigation systems
• Agricultural equipment monitoring

Infrastructure

• Community infrastructure monitoring
• Building energy system monitoring
• Greenhouse monitoring

Natural resources

• Smart irrigation systems
• Animal and wildlife health monitoring
• Water resource monitoring

Using Nordic's nRF54LM20 DK, your solution should:

Connect sustainability to practical, real-world outcomes by demonstrating how Bluetooth® technology can:

• Collect and share meaningful data from the physical world
• Monitor changes and detect critical conditions
• Alert users and recommend next steps based on actionable insights
• Improve efficiency, resilience, or resource utilization

The nRF54LM20 DK is the development kit for the nRF54LM20A and nRF54LM20B SoCs. This single-board development kit gives developers full access to the features of these ultra-low-power wireless SoCs — including the nRF54LM20B's integrated Axon NPU — along with support for Bluetooth LE, Bluetooth Channel Sounding, Matter, Thread, Zigbee, and Aliro.

Prizes

Best Sustain the System Solution

1 winner

Best Sustain the System Solution

-

$3,000 value

Best Edge AI Implementation

For the most innovative use of on-device intelligence.
Examples:
- TinyML anomaly detection
- Predictive failure modeling
- Local sensor fusion
- Autonomous maintenance recommendations

1 winner

Best Edge AI Implementation

-

$1,000 value

Best Equipment Monitoring Solution

For monitoring equipment, factories, motors, pumps, generators, conveyor systems, HVAC, etc.
For example:
- Detecting anomalous motion or vibration
- Equipment temperature monitoring
- Tracking machine health
- Detecting incorrect operating procedures
- Acoustic monitoring

1 winner

Best Industrial Solution

-

$1,000 value

Best Infrastructure Solution

Awarded to a solution that adds predictive intelligence to an existing asset rather than creating something entirely new.
For example:
- Occupancy and movement pattern detection
- Smart space utilization
- Water monitoring in buildings
- Waste management tracking
- Renewable energy optimization

1 winner

Best Infrastructure Project

-

$1,000 value

Best Natural Resource Solution

For protecting natural resources through early detection.
For example:
- Precision irrigation solution
- Tree health and habitat monitoring
- Water monitoring in agriculture
- Animal health and feeding monitoring
- Predictive health monitoring for wildlife

1 winner

Best Natural Resource Solution

-

$1,000 value

Best Use of Bluetooth

For example:
- Optimized user notification mechanism
- Novel use of Bluetooth Channel Sounding technology
- Novel use of Bluetooth Mesh technology
- Demonstration of ultra-low power consumption/optimization through Bluetooth technology

1 winner

Best Use of Bluetooth

-

$1,000 value

Resources