May 16, 2026
SEANET Contest 2026 to Feature Major Incentive for Young Amateur Radio Operators
Top Performing Youth to Earn Sponsorship for Major VU4 DXpedition to Andaman Islands
KOCHI, India — The DX India Foundation is proud to announce the SEANET Contest 2026, scheduled for September 12-13, 2026. This year’s contest introduces a groundbreaking incentive program aimed at empowering youth in the amateur radio community.
In a major move to encourage next-generation participation, the organizers have announced that the highest-performing participants in the newly established Youth Category (ages 19-25) will not only receive special equipment prizes but will also be considered for a sponsored position in the international team for the VU4 DXpedition in December 2026.
Contest Highlights:
- Dates: September 12 (1200 UTC) - September 13 (1200 UTC), 2026
- Target Group: Youth aged 19-25, especially those newly licensed.
- Incentive: Selection for the major VU4 DXpedition team.
- Modes: CW and SSB (80m - 10m).
"We want to move beyond just operating; we want to build the future of DXing in India," said Sarath, VU2RS, Team Lead for VU4 2026. "By linking the SEANET Contest performance to the VU4 DXpedition selection, we are providing a real-world platform for young hams to prove their skills and earn their way to one of the most sought-after DX locations in the world."
Empowering the Next Generation
The youth incentive program is designed for operators who have recently obtained their amateur radio license. It provides them with a competitive environment to sharpen their skills under the mentorship of seasoned operators. This initiative is part of the broader mission of the DX India Foundation to revitalize the amateur radio landscape in the South East Asian region.
About the SEANET Contest
The SEANET Contest is an annual worldwide event that promotes international goodwill and fellowship. It serves as the primary on-air precursor to the annual SEANET Convention, which will be held in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, from December 18-20, 2026.
Full rules and registration details for the contest are available at: www.dxindia.in/seanet-contest-2026.html