I am pleased to share the 2026 IISE QCRE Data Challenge Competition. The challenge focuses on an image-based defect detection problem in high-throughput manufacturing and is sponsored by Five Star Management Group. Participants will develop robust machine vision models to detect defects in pet-food packaging perforation patterns under realistic industrial conditions.
Please check the attached Call for Participation for team eligibility and submission requirements. We accept Notice of Intent (NOI) until March 10, 2026.
Important Dates
• Notice of Intent (NOI): March 10, 2026, 11:59 PM CT
• Training Data Release (first-come, first-served): February 20 – March 10, 2026
• Test Data Release: March 25, 2026, 5:00 PM CT.
• Submission Deadline: March 27, 2026, 11:59 PM CT
• Finalist Notification: April 6, 2026
• IISE Annual Conference & Expo: May 16–19, 2026
Awards
Top finalist teams will receive recognition and cash prizes:
• 1st place: $1,400
• 2nd place: $700
• 3rd place: $300
• 4th place: $100
If you are interested in forming a team or would like guidance on participation, please check our official CFP file.
Competition Chairs
Sungil Kim, Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology, sungil.kim@unist.ac.kr
Haifeng Wang, Mississippi State University, wang@ise.msstate.edu
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Haifeng Wang
Associate Professor
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State MS
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