EmotiBit @ UIST 2026: Sponsoring the Student Innovation Contest
Join us in Detroit, Michigan (Nov 2–5, 2026) to empower the next generation of affective computing. How can sensing redefine the human interaction with biometrics? We’re inviting student innovators to use EmotiBit to build and showcase their creative projects in this space.
UIST 2026 Conference
The Student Innovation Contest is an annual highlight of the ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology (UIST), focusing on the future of human-computer interaction through cutting-edge hardware and software.
What is EmotiBit?
EmotiBit is a wearable sensor for capturing high-quality emotional, physiological, and movement data. It is 100% open-source (Arduino-compatible) and scientifically validated.
EmotiBit Includes Numerous Biometric Data Streams
PPG (3-wavelength): Heart rate, HRV, and oxygen saturation.
EDA / GSR: Electrodermal activity reflecting emotional and cognitive arousal.
9-axis IMU: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and Magnetometer to track complex body movements, gestures, and 3D orientation with precision.
Body Temperature: Skin temperature for health and emotional assessment.
The Contest Bundle
Up to 10 proposals will be selected and each team will receive the All-in-One EmotiBit Bundle, which includes everything needed to start building immediately:
EmotiBit MD Board with PPG, EDA/GSR, 9-axis IMU, and medical-grade temperature sensing.
Adafruit HUZZAH32 Feather for streaming data wirelessly.
Emoti-stretch Straps: 3 lengths to wear EmotiBit anywhere from the wrist to the head.
Data Essentials: 400mAh battery and microSD card reader.
Teams will also receive a sturdy 3D printed case for their EmotiBit.
See EmotiBit in Action
- Painted Heart Beats: Artist and robot collaboration through real-time biofeedback.
- Rehabilitation Pilot: Methods of rehabilitation for upper limbs with biofeedback and XR.
Get Inspired by Previous UIST Publications that Use EmotiBit
- Touchscreens in Motion: Measuring the impact of touchscreens and mental load in distracted drivers.
- Pneunocchio: The creation of a playful human augmentation and corresponding game.
Discover More Student Creations With EmotiBit
- EmoMirror: Mirror your emotional state with a cinematic holographic avatar.
- SoulSync: A mental wellbeing app that incorporates music, biometrics, and your friends.
For the most up-to-date information about the 2026 UIST Student Innovation Contest, refer to the UIST website.
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FAQs
Who Can Participate?
The 2026 UIST SIC accepts proposals from teams of high school, undergraduate, and/or graduate students in teams of 2-5. Up to 10 proposals will be selected based on a criteria of usefulness, creativity, complexity, and feasibility.
What’s in the Contest Bundle?
The contest bundle includes the All-in-One EmotiBit Bundle featuring the MD Board, Essentials Kit, and Electrodes Kit, as well as a 3D printed EmotiBit case.
Additional materials may be available by request.
What are the Important Dates?
Call for Proposals (CFP) release: May 4, 2026
Proposal submission deadline: June 15, 2026
Selected teams announced: June 22, 2026
Camera-ready submission deadline: August 21, 2026
Project video submission deadline: September 30, 2026
Presentation of final demo: November 2-5, 2026. In-person at the UIST conference in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
How can I learn more about EmotiBit?
To start, we recommend checking out the documentation on GitHub. You can also read EmotiBit’s scientific validation study and join our community on Reddit.