The PCBWay Design Contest promotes innovation, encourages participants to dive into open-source projects and inspires a growing community of electronics enthusiasts. This year PCBWay has announced its 7th Design contest which is set to be even more exciting with new categories and opportunities, aimed at pushing the boundaries of design and creativity.
Building on the success of previous years, PCBWay is once again offering both Electronics Design and Mechanical Design categories, allowing participants to showcase their expertise in creating everything from simple circuits to complex 3D mechanical structures.
However, the 2024 contest unfolds a special theme focusing on STM32 projects. Designs incorporating STM32 Projects will provide several opportunities for the participants to show their innovations using STM32 popular boards and tools. They also have a chance to earn additional rewards, offering an exciting incentive for those working with this popular microcontroller series.
Key Dates to Remember: The contest starts in September and below are its details:
- Project Submission Period: 2nd September 2024 – 19th January 2025
- Project Review Period: 20th January 2025 – 28th February 2025
- Winners Announced: 10th March 2025
Contest Categories: The participant can submit their projects under three categories which is comprised of two old categories i.e. Electronics and Mechanical and the latest STM32 category added.
- Electronics Projects:
This category includes all electronic design projects, from basic circuit designs to advanced MCU and IoT projects. It covers embedded systems, power electronics, audio, and more. - Mechanical Projects:
For those with a focus on mechanical and product design, this category includes projects like drone casings, robot structures, and complex 3D designs. - STM32 Projects:
Participants who integrate STM32 series chips into their designs—whether for smart homes, robotics, or consumer electronics—can enter this category and qualify for special STM32-themed rewards.
Prizes to Spark Innovation:
PCBWay is offering a range of exciting prizes designed to motivate and reward participants across different skill levels.
- First Prize:
1 Winner
$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 Cam Smart Camera
- Participation Prize:
Raspberry Pi Pico for all approved entries - STM32 Great Project Prize:
Six-Claw Multifunctional Aluminum Alloy Soldering Table - Popular Design Prize:
10 Winners
$100 Cash + $20 Coupon- $10 3D Printing Coupon
How to Participate:
Entering the competition is simple. Visit the PCBWay Design Contest page (https://www.pcbway.com/activity/7th-project-design-contest.html) and click the “Participate Now” button, or upload your project directly to the PCBWay community by choosing the appropriate category: Electronics Project, Mechanical Project, or STM32 Project.
Important Rules:
- All projects must be original and submitted within the contest period.
- Participants retain the intellectual property rights for their designs and should ensure that their work does not infringe on third-party IP.
- Projects must include design files, such as PCB layouts, mechanical design files, BOM lists, and schematics.
- STM32 projects will be evaluated thoroughly, and only outstanding projects will be awarded the additional STM32 rewards.
You can go through their evaluation criteria for transparency in the contents.
Evaluation Criteria
- Project Design
The design of each project will be evaluated based on its complexity and innovation. We are looking for creative solutions and well-thought-out designs that push the boundaries of current technology. - Project Description
A thorough and detailed project description is essential. This includes clear explanations of the project’s functionality, accompanied by videos, code, and supporting documentation. Providing comprehensive information helps others understand your work. Projects that are fully open-source will receive extra consideration during the review process. - Project Popularity
Share your project widely to gain support and attention from the community. Engagement and popularity are important factors, so don’t hesitate to promote your work. - Social Significance
We encourage projects that have the potential to make a positive impact on society. We’re excited to see innovative ideas that can contribute to social good and drive meaningful change.
The PCBWay Design Contest is a unique platform to turn your ideas into reality, get recognized by the global electronics and design community, and win amazing prizes. Sponsored by Mouser, this competition promises to be an exciting opportunity for innovators, creators, and enthusiasts alike.
So, get your tools ready and start designing! We look forward to seeing your creativity shine. For any questions or inquiries, feel free to contact: anson@pcbway.com.
