PCBWay and Tindie Launch the 2026 AI Hardware Design Contest

PCBWay is teaming up with Tindie to launch the 2026 AI Hardware Design Contest, inviting makers, engineers, developers, students, and hardware enthusiasts worldwide to explore the possibilities of combining artificial intelligence with hardware innovation.

Whether you're building an AI-powered smart device, developing an intelligent embedded system, or experimenting with a creative DIY project, this is your opportunity to turn an idea into a working prototype, share your creation with the global maker community, and compete for a share of the $2,500 prize pool.

Registration and project submissions open on November 1, 2026 (PT). Get your ideas ready and join the challenge!

About the PCBWay × Tindie AI Hardware Design Contest

Artificial intelligence is creating new possibilities for hardware development. From intelligent sensors and smart home devices to robotics and edge AI applications, AI is changing how electronic devices interact with people and the world around them.

The PCBWay × Tindie AI Hardware Design Contest aims to encourage makers and developers to explore these possibilities through practical hardware projects.

By combining PCBWay's PCB manufacturing and engineering capabilities with Tindie's hardware maker community, we hope to support innovative ideas and help more creators turn their concepts into real-world products.

Whether you're an experienced hardware engineer or an independent maker exploring AI for the first time, you're welcome to participate.

Project Ideas and Inspiration

What can you build with AI and hardware? The possibilities are endless!

You are free to choose your hardware, AI models, and deployment methods. There are no fixed competition tracks or restrictions on project direction.

Here are eight areas to inspire your creativity:

• Vision Recognition
• Voice and Sound
• Environment and Smart Home
• Robotics and Control
• Edge AI / TinyML
• Wearables and Assistive Devices
• LLMs and Physical Interaction
• Creative Projects and Education

These ideas are only starting points, not limitations. You can explore unconventional applications, combine multiple technologies, or develop an entirely different AI hardware concept. We encourage original thinking and creative approaches.

How to Participate

Joining the PCBWay × Tindie AI Hardware Design Contest involves five simple steps.

Step 1. Register for the Contest

Both individuals and teams are welcome to participate.

• Complete the official contest registration form.
• If you have purchased products on Tindie, you can optionally provide your Tindie order number to qualify for bonus points.
• Once your registration is successful, you will receive an official confirmation email.

Step 2. Claim Your PCBWay Manufacturing Coupon

To help participants bring their hardware ideas to life, PCBWay is offering 40 manufacturing coupons worth $50 each.

• Participants who need PCB fabrication or related manufacturing services can select the coupon option in the registration form.
• Each participant can claim one coupon only.
• Coupons are valid only during the contest period.

The coupons are available in limited quantities, so remember to indicate your interest when registering.

Step 3. Build Your AI Hardware Project

Now it's time to turn your idea into a working creation!

• Choose your own hardware project and integrate AI-related functionality.
• Develop and complete a working physical prototype.
• Document your design, implementation, and demonstration process.

Your project can use different hardware platforms, AI models, and deployment methods. What matters is that you create a functioning physical project with AI-related capabilities.

Step 4. Publish and Submit Your Project

Once your project is ready, share it with the community.

• Publish a complete project report on a public platform.
• Submit your project title, description, and report link through Tindie.
• A demonstration video is optional but encouraged.

Your project report should clearly explain the concept, hardware design, AI implementation, development process, and final results.

Step 5. Project Review and Awards

After the submission deadline, PCBWay and Tindie will jointly review the entries and select the winning projects.

In addition to the contest prizes:

• Outstanding projects may receive dedicated feature coverage.
• Projects listed on Tindie may receive additional promotional placement.
• Selected creators will have opportunities to showcase their work to a wider hardware community.

Prizes and Awards

The PCBWay × Tindie 2026 AI Hardware Design Contest features a total prize pool of $2,500, with 17 awards across five categories. Whether you're developing an innovative AI application or building a practical hardware solution, your creativity could earn you recognition and rewards.

01. Grand Prize – AI Innovation Excellence Award

• Prize: $600 per winner
• Winners: 1
• Total: $600

02. Second Prize – AI Innovation Pioneer Award

• Prize: $300 per winner
• Winners: 2
• Total: $600

03. Third Prize – AI Hardware Breakthrough Award

• Prize: $100 per winner
• Winners: 3
• Total: $300

04. Merit Award – AI Maker Star Award

• Prize: $50 per winner
• Winners: 10
• Total: $500

05. PCBWay Award – PCBWay Special Award

• Prize: $500 credited to the winner's PCBWay account
• Winners: 1
• Total: $500

In total, 17 winners will receive awards worth $2,500. In addition to the prizes, outstanding projects may also receive dedicated feature coverage, while projects listed on Tindie may have the opportunity to receive additional promotional placement.

Start building your AI hardware project and take your chance to be recognized by the global maker community!

Contest Timeline

Mark your calendar for these important dates:

• November 1, 2026: Contest officially launches, and registration opens.
• January 31, 2027: Registration closes. All project submissions must be completed by this date.
• February 1 – March 1, 2027: Tindie and PCBWay review and evaluate all submitted projects.
• March 2 – March 5, 2027: Winners are announced, and award notifications are sent.

Why Join the PCBWay × Tindie AI Hardware Design Contest?

This contest is more than just a competition. It's an opportunity to experiment with AI, develop practical hardware skills, and share your creativity with a global community.

By participating, you can:

• Bring Your Ideas to Life: Turn your AI concepts into real, working hardware projects.
• Get Manufacturing Support: Apply for one of the 40 available $50 PCBWay manufacturing coupons.
• Win Prizes: Compete for a share of the $2,500 prize pool.
• Showcase Your Work: Get your project featured and gain exposure among hardware enthusiasts and makers.
• Connect with Innovators: Share ideas and discover creative projects from developers around the world.

Whether you're an experienced engineer, an independent maker, or a student exploring AI hardware, this is your chance to experiment, build, and share.

Ready to Build Something with AI?

Great hardware innovations often start with a simple idea. Now it's your turn to turn that idea into something real.

Join PCBWay and Tindie in celebrating AI-powered hardware innovation. Build your project, share your journey, and show the world what you can create!

Registration opens November 1, 2026 (PT). Don't miss your chance to participate!