Online Electronics Project Competition 2026

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Design Contest

IoT & AI Inference Design Challenge 2026

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Overview

AI is everywhere, but what’s really exciting is how easy it has become to bring AI to everyday devices. This year’s contest is all about AI on the Edge and the Internet of Things (IoT). From gesture recognition and object classification to voice-controlled home automation, we’re challenging you to build and showcase what you can create.

Like our previous contest, this one is open to engineers, students, and makers across India to showcase their creativity and innovation. Participants can share in a total reward pool worth Rs. 7,00,000, distributed across cash prizes, hardware rebates, and goodies. And that’s not all; we’ve teamed up with DigiKey to provide free development hardware and learning resources to kickstart your journey.

Select between three exciting development boards

To join the fun, simply select one of the three development platforms below to build your project

Submit your project idea using the Apply for Hardware button below. We will handpick the top 60 project ideas and cover the complete cost of development hardware shipped from DigiKey.

Apply for hardware

Prizes

We are giving away cash prizes to more than 10 Projects that get successfully submitted. All participants who have completed the challenge will also get certificates and free goodies to appreciate your efforts.

Cash Prize

Rs. 1,00,000

Cash Prize

Rs. 60,000

Cash Prize

Rs. 40,000

Free Dev. Hardware & Gifts

The 60 approved project ideas will receive a complete rebate on their hardware purchase from DigiKey. They will also receive gifts.

Wild Card

Think your idea was overlooked? Send us a short video explaining your project and hardware. We can consider projects beyond the initial 60 selections and rebate the eligible DigiKey hardware purchase.

10 Standout Projects

Beyond the top three, 10 projects that earn the most community and social media recognition will get a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each.

How to Participate?

Step 1: Register

To kickstart your journey, register for the contest. If participating as a team, each member must register individually.

Step 2: Apply for hardware

Once registered, submit your project ideas to apply for hardware. Refer to our contest resources page to determine the best development hardware for your project.

Step 3: Get your development board from DigiKey

Upon selection of your idea, proceed to purchase your development hardware from DigiKey. We’ll cover the cost by providing a complete rebate upon successful submission of your project. Alternatively, you can also reach out to our team for assistance in obtaining your free development hardware.

Step 4: Build your project

With your development hardware in hand, commence building your project. You can use any extra components available with you along with it to bring your project idea to life and showcase your demo effectively.

Step 5: Make video & documentation

Document your project comprehensively, including circuit diagrams, code, and images. Capture a video demonstrating your project in action. Refer to our sample video and sample project for guidance.

Step 6: Submit your project

Once your documentation and video are ready, submit your project for evaluation. Be sure to review the judging criteria to enhance your chances of winning.

Important Dates

Nov 05, 2026

Registration Open

The contest is officially launched and is open for participants to register for the contest and submit their project ideas

Dec 30, 2026

Last Date to Submit Project Ideas

New registrations for the contest will not be allowed. Participants who have already registered and got their project idea selected will start getting development hardware

Jan 31, 2027

Last Date to get Development Hardware

All participants with approved project ideas will get their development hardware from DigiKey. No new ideas will be approved

March 15, 2027

Project Submission

Last date to submit your project documentation and videos. Participants will no longer be able to make changes to their submitted content.

April 10, 2027

Winner Announcement

The winners of the contest will be announced. Results will be available on this contest page and on our YouTube channel.

Judging Criteria

Each project will be evaluated based on the following judging criteria, with a total score of 100 points. The points are split as follows: 

  1. Video Demonstration: A short video to introduce you and your project. Showcase the working of your project [30 points]
  2. Hardware Working: The project should be in working condition at the time of submission, supported by pictures and results [20 points]
  3. Presentation: The project should be well-documented, including pictures, build setup, circuit diagram, and code [30 points]
  4. Choice of Hardware and Software: Appropriate selection and utilization of components will be taken into consideration [10 points]
  5. Creativity: Showcase something new and different. Make your project stand out from the rest [10 points]

IoT & AI Inference Design Challenge is produced and owned by Semicon Media Pvt. Ltd. All rights to moderate and regulate the contest are reserved by Semicon Media. By registering for the contest, participants agree to the contest rules and proceedings.

All the best!

We wish all contestants the best of luck, and we look forward to witnessing the innovative and impactful projects that emerge from this contest.

You can contact our team or community using the below options for any questions or clarifications