Helium #IoTforGood

Harness the power of The People's Network to help solve critical needs in today's society.

Total prize pool of $15,000+

Helium #IoTforGood
Helium #IoTforGood
This contest is over! See all the winning entries. Want more chances to win prizes? Check out our active contests.

FAQ

General


Did I win the contest? When will I receive my prize?

If you are a winner, we will contact you directly via email to arrange the shipment of your prize.

Free hardware application: Do I have to submit a project entry if I receive free hardware?
Yes, all free hardware recipients must submit a project entry by the contest deadline. Free hardware recipients who do not submit a project entry will become ineligible to receive free hardware in future giveaways.
Free hardware application: How many free devices are available?
75 free devices are available. One device maximum per person.
Free hardware application: How many ideas can I submit?
Each participant is allowed to submit one idea.
Free hardware application: I was notified that I was selected to receive one of free devices. When will I receive it?
We will notify you via email when free devices are shipped. If you haven't received an email yet, we haven't yet shipped it. Be aware that once you receive the initial notification, it may still be a few weeks until you receive the shipment notification.
Free hardware application: What happens if I receive free hardware and do not submit a project entry?

Participants who receive free hardware and do not submit a project may be ineligible for future giveaways unless the hardware is returned.

If you receive free hardware and become unable to submit a project, please contact us at travis@helium.com and let us know as soon as possible. We may choose to arrange for the hardware to be shipped to another participant.

Free hardware application: What kind of idea is more likely to win free hardware?
We encourage creative ideas. For instance, pet feeders and home automation systems are very common nowadays and less creative. We also encourage realistic ideas. While solving world hunger is a great goal, it may not be realistic.
I submitted my project but it says "Awaiting moderation". Will it affect my eligibility?
As long as you submit your project before the deadline it doesn't matter when it is moderated. Just sit back and enjoy a well deserved break!
My project is locked and I can't edit it anymore. Why is that?
All projects entered in the contest are locked after the submission deadline to ensure that they remain the same during the judging process. They are then unlocked after winners are announced.
Somebody copied my entry! What can I do?
When judging entries, we take into account the submission date. When an entry is clearly plagiarized from another, we favor the original entry. If you believe the result of the judging is unfair, please email us at travis@helium.com to appeal.
What are the entry requirements?

To be eligible for judging, you must meet ALL of the following requirements unless otherwise stated:

General Requirements

  • You must be registered as a participant for this contest.
  • You must create a Helium Console account.
  • Your entry must be your own original work.
  • All members of your team must have their own Helium Console account in good standing.

*By entering a submission to this contest on behalf of a team, you acknowledge that you are the designated representative authorized to act on behalf of your team. (See full rules below for details)

Hardware Application Requirements

Note: If you choose to submit an application for free hardware, you must meet the following requirements. If not, continue to 'Hardware/Software Build Requirements' below.

  • Your hardware application must be submitted via the online application form found on the contest page’s “apply for hardware” tab.
  • Your hardware application must be written in English.
  • Your hardware application must use the Helium Network.
  • Your hardware application must solve a problem related to Helping Solve Critical Needs in Today's Society.
  • Your hardware application must be submitted by May 28, 2020.

Hardware/Software Build Requirements

Project Documentation Requirements

  • Your project must include a project name, short project description, cover image, bill of materials (BOM), full instructions, images, and relevant resource files (schematics, code, CAD).
  • Your project must be written in English.
  • Your project must be submitted by August 6, 2020.
What are the judging criteria?

Your project will be judged according to the rubric below.

  • Project Documentation (30 points)
    Story/Instructions - Show how you created your project, including images, screenshots, and/or a video demonstration of your solution working as intended. Ask yourself: “If I were a beginner reading this project, would I understand how to recreate it?”
  • Complete BOM (10 points)
    Detail the hardware, software and/or tools used.
  • Schematics (10 points)
    Draw your circuit diagrams using software like Fritzing.org and/or take detailed photographs.
  • Code & Contribution (20 points)
    Include working code with helpful comments.
  • Creativity (20 points)
    Your idea doesn’t have to be original, but it should be creative (a fresh take on an old idea is often worth as much as a brand new idea)
  • Scalability (10 points)
    Explain how the Helium Network can help facilitate the scalability of your project, especially considering the #IoTforGood call to action.
What are the prizes?
Grand Prize
  • $2,500 cash + A Year's Worth of Helium Data Credits (up to $2,500) + Helium Hotspot ($350) ($5,425 value)
Runner Ups
  • $1,000 cash + A Year's Worth of Helium Data Credits (up to $1,000) + Helium Hotspot ($350) ($2,425 value) (4 are available)
What are the steps to enter the contest?

Step 1: Register for the Contest

  • Start by creating a free account on Hackster.io (or sign-in if already a member).
  • Register for the contest by clicking “Register as a participant”.

Step 2: Build and Document Your Project

  • Build your project according to the submission requirements.
  • Document your project build using Hackster’s project template. To create a new project, click “create new project” on the contest page or the “+” symbol in the top right corner of your Hackster page.

Step 3: Review and submit your project

  • Review your project and make sure it meets all the submission requirements.
  • Upload a previously created project by clicking “add existing project” on the contest page.
  • Submit your project by August 6, 2020 by clicking “review and submit project” on the contest page.
What is the contest timeline?

Contest begins:

April 23, 2020 at 9:00 AM PT

Applications for hardware close:

May 28, 2020 at 12:00 PM PT

Announce hardware recipients:

May 29, 2020

Submissions close:

August 6, 2020 at 11:59 PM PT

Winners announced:

August 25, 2020

When will winners be announced? Where can I see the list?

Free devices winners will be announced by May 29, 2020. The list of winners will be visible on the Apply for hardware tab.

Contest winners will be announced on August 25, 2020. The list of winners will be visible on the main page (Contest brief).

Who is eligible to participate?

You are eligible to enter if you meet the following requirements at time of entry:

  • You are at least 13 years of age
    If you are 12 years or younger, you must receive a legal guardian's permission and have them complete Hackster’s contest permission form prior to submitting an entry into this contest. Send any questions to contests@hackster.io.
  • You are not a resident of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria
    US export regulations prohibit the export of goods and services to the countries listed above, therefore residents of these countries are not eligible to participate in this challenge.
  • You are not involved in the execution or administration of this contest.
  • You are not an immediate family member or household member of a Hackster or Helium employee.

Couldn't find an answer to your question? Email us.