Photo: H-Bridges
The H-Bridges student team from the School of Electrical Engineering (ETF) of the University of Belgrade, Serbia, is taking part in the semifinal stage of the International Future Energy Challenge (IFEC) competition in San Antonio, California. It is held within the IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC 2026) from March 22 to 26. The results of the presentation to the jury are expected in mid-April.
H-Bridges brings together students who develop innovative and energy-efficient technical solutions for one year through multidisciplinary projects. For seven consecutive years, the team has successfully showcased its work at IFEC, a competition sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a global electrical engineering and electronics organization.
The IFEC semifinals phase features the 11 best student teams from around the globe, who present and defend their technical solutions before an international jury. It is a stage when the evaluation focuses not only on the innovation of the idea but also on the team’s ability to develop a reliable, efficient, and functional device capable of operating in real-world conditions.
In the semifinals, student projects are measured against global technical standards and compared with solutions from the world’s top young engineers. Projects with potential for industrial application are given special priority. Because of this, the cost of the device itself is also a key evaluation criterion.
u polufinalu takmičenja IEEE IFEC 2026 na konferenciji
This year’s challenge focuses on the design of a bidirectional onboard charger for electric vehicles, a solution that enables not only battery charging but also energy feedback to the power grid.
IEEE IFEC within renowned setting
IEEE APEC is one of the world’s most significant events in the field of power electronics. It brings together researchers, engineers and representatives of technology companies from across the globe. It showcases cutting-edge solutions in power converters, energy management and transport electrification. Hosting the IFEC semifinals in such a setting further highlights the competition’s prestige and global standing.
The specific task for the H-Bridges team this year is to develop a bidirectional on-board charger for electric vehicles. This device not only charges the battery but also enables energy to flow back from the vehicle into the power grid. The concept, known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), is a crucial step toward smart energy systems where electric vehicles act as active participants in balancing electricity production and consumption.
Developing such a device requires achieving high levels of efficiency, compactness, and reliability – it is a major engineering challenge even in industrial settings. According to competition rules, the solution must meet strict technical requirements, including nominal power of 1 kW, minimum efficiency of 92% at nominal load, high power density and plug-and-play functionality. Beyond performance, judges specifically evaluate device safety, electrical isolation, bidirectional reliability, and the economic viability of the chosen components.
Save on iron, copper through smart use of silicon, software
This year’s H-Bridges team consists of 25 members organized into three subteams: hardware, firmware and control, and fundraising and public relations. Throughout the one-year cycle, students independently manage the entire process – from initial concept and design to prototyping, testing, and presenting their solution to an international jury.
H-Bridges is a fusion of academic knowledge and practical application
The hands-on model provides experience that goes beyond traditional academic learning. The team’s motto is to save on iron and copper through the smart use of silicon and software.
A major strength of the team is its consistent track record. H-Bridges has twice secured first place at the IFEC competition: in 2005 and 2019. The latter victory was for an electric bike drive that passed all technical tests with zero penalties and exceptional efficiency. Beyond the said wins, the team has frequently reached the finals, earning multiple second-place finishes and a total of nine global awards and prizes. Additionally, over the past seven years, members of H-Bridges have received 12 national awards, and the team has proudly served as the launchpad for four startup companies in Serbia.
H-Bridges 2026 lineup
Project development is carried out with the support of the University of Belgrade’s School of Electrical Engineering, which provides students with access to the research infrastructure and laboratory equipment necessary for building and testing prototypes. Through the current model, H-Bridges represents a fusion of academic knowledge and practical application, with many team members continuing their expertise through thesis and master’s research in related fields.
By participating in such an international competition, students gain significant experience that later contributes to the domestic economy by strengthening the professional workforce in electrical engineering. As in the previous cycles, the team is independently securing the funding for prototype development and competition entry fees, through the support of companies and institutions that recognize the importance of such projects for the future of engineering in Serbia. More information on the team’s work and support opportunities is available on the official website.
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