PCBWay, a leading platform renowned for its high-quality PCB manufacturing and prototyping services, continues to foster innovation and collaboration in the tech community through its annual Project Design Contest. With six successful editions behind it, the PCBWay Design Contest has become a hub for enthusiasts, professionals, and makers to showcase groundbreaking ideas in electronics, mechanical engineering, and embedded systems. PCBWay’s commitment to open-source innovation and community engagement makes it the go-to platform for creators worldwide.
For the 7th PCBWay Project Design Contest, the platform takes a step further by introducing the STM32 theme, alongside the well-established categories of Electronics and Mechanical Design. This year’s competition offers exciting opportunities for participants to demonstrate their skills, gain recognition, and win fantastic prizes.
Contest Details and Categories
1. Electronic Project
Electronic project invites submissions ranging from simple circuits to complex IoT and embedded systems. Whether your project involves analog and digital electronics, power systems, or audio solutions, PCBWay provides a platform to share your creativity.
2. Mechanical Project
Mechanical engineers and designers can participate by submitting projects such as robotics casings, drone structures, or any innovative mechanical design. The focus is on functionality, aesthetics, and innovation.
3. STM32 Project
The newest addition to the contest, STM32 Project category celebrates projects utilizing STM32 series chips. These versatile microcontrollers power everything from smart home devices to robotics. Participants in this category stand a chance to win additional exclusive rewards.
Key Dates and Timeline
Submission Period: September 2, 2024 – January 19, 2025
Review Period: January 20, 2025 – February 28, 2025
Results Announcement: March 10, 2025
Prizes to Fuel Innovation
PCBWay recognizes outstanding contributions with generous rewards, including cash, coupons, and cutting-edge tech gadgets:
Main Prizes
- First Prize:
$1500 Cash + $200 Coupon + Palm-sized Robot Dog
- Second Prize (2 Winners):
$1000 Cash + $100 Coupon + Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB)
- Third Prize (3 Winners):
$500 Cash + $50 Coupon + OpenMV4 H7 R2 Smart Camera
Special Prizes
Popular Design Prize (10 Winners): $100 Cash + $20 Coupon + Multimeter ZTY890DPro
Participation Prize:
Raspberry Pi Pico
STM32 Great Project Prize
Exceptional projects incorporating STM32 chips will receive a Six-Claw Multifunctional Aluminum Alloy Soldering Table.
How to Participate
Register and Submit:
Visit the PCBWay competition page, create a project, and upload your designs under the appropriate category: Electronic, Mechanical, or STM32.
Provide Original Design Files:
Include comprehensive documentation such as Gerber files, schematics, code, and mechanical designs.
Promote Your Project:
Share your submission to attract community support, as project popularity plays a role in evaluations.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions are judged on four key aspects:
Project Design:
Complexity and innovation are paramount.
Project Description:
Detailed explanations, videos, and open-source materials enhance understanding.
Popularity:
Community engagement adds value.
Social Significance:
Projects with a positive societal impact are highly encouraged.
Rules and Regulations
1. Originality
All entries must be original and uploaded within the specified timeframe. Late submissions will be disqualified.
2. Intellectual Property
Participants retain the intellectual property rights to their projects and must ensure their submissions do not infringe on third-party intellectual property.
3. Required Files
Each submission must include original design files:
- Electronic Projects: PCB designs, Gerber files, BOM, schematics, layouts, and code.
- Mechanical Projects: Mechanical design files, CNC machining files, and other relevant documentation.
- Participants are encouraged to share comprehensive files to help judges understand their creativity better.
4. Submission Process
Click the “Participate Now” button on the PCBWay competition page.
Alternatively, create a project in the PCBWay community and submit it under the appropriate category: Electronic, Mechanical, or STM32.
5. Participation Rewards
Once an entry is approved, 500 points will be credited to the participant’s PCBWay account, which can be redeemed for a Raspberry Pi Pico in the store.
6. STM32 Additional Rewards
Projects utilizing STM32 chips are eligible for additional rewards based on evaluation by judges. Not all STM32 projects will receive these rewards.
7. Organizer Rights
PCBWay reserves the right to interpret and modify event rules and plans. For any inquiries, participants can contact [email protected].
PCBWay: Empowering Makers Worldwide
PCBWay has been at the forefront of advancing technology through accessible prototyping and manufacturing services. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and open-source collaboration makes them a trusted partner for creators. By organizing the 7th Project Design Contest, PCBWay continues to nurture talent and inspire the global electronics and engineering community.
Whether you’re an electronics enthusiast, a mechanical design wizard, or an STM32 expert, this contest is your chance to shine. Join PCBWay in pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity! For more details, visit PCBWay’s official contest page and let your imagination lead the way.
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