Fab25 Maker Train Evangelist Challenge

Challenges connect you with brands seeking your expertise through project requests or “bounties.” Submit a proposal quickly, as spots fill fast, and if selected, complete the project and publish it on Hackster to earn the payout. Outstanding submissions may also receive a cash bonus.

This is your chance to collaborate with Nordic Semiconductor and Hackster.io to deliver an unforgettable hands-on technical workshop aboard the Maker Train Experience at the Fab25 conference in the Czechia.

This challenge is exclusively available to Hackster PRO members. Not a member? Learn more and join Hackster PRO.

Fab25 Highlights:

• Dates: July 4–11, 2025
• Locations: Brno & Prague, Czechia
• Unique Feature: The Maker Train connects these vibrant cities with a 2.5-hour interactive workshop ride.

Learn more about the event here

You’ll design and host a workshop for 20 participants using the Nordic Thingy:91 X, the new Nordic prototyping platform for cellular IoT applications. Inspire attendees, foster new connections, and elevate your reputation as a leading maker.

We're looking for a workshop that incorporates many of the amazing features in the Nordic Thingy:91 X. Be sure to review the device specs and develop a workshop that incorporates select features in an engaging format.

Why Participate?

• $600 payout for accepted proposals to develop and deliver your solution.
• $5,000 contract for the winning workshop, ensuring you join us in person at Fab25.
• Be celebrated as a developer advocate, educator, and IoT innovator.

How It Works

1. Submit a Proposal: Share your detailed plan for the workshop, including:

• Pre-event preparation: Your timeline for getting ready.
• Workshop design: What will participants create? How will it engage and excite?
• Materials list: Include everything needed for 20 participants.
• Event agenda: A full timetable and content plan, including potential multi-location formats (e.g., sessions in Brno, Prague, and during the train ride).
• Impact assessment: Describe how you would report the value of your workshop to the maker community and Nordic Semiconductor.

2. Showcase Your Expertise: Share your profile as part of the Proposal, including:

• Proof of your qualifications as a workshop facilitator (e.g., past community engagements, testimonials, media).
• Completion of Nordic’s Cellular IoT Fundamentals Certification.

3. Selection Process: Hackster will evaluate all proposals and select those to be awarded.

• Only 3 proposals will be awarded the contract to build out. Awarded participants are called Contenders.

4. Build the Solution: Get paid to make your proposal a reality.

• The 3 Contenders will receive a Thingy:91 X to develop their workshop.
• $600 will be paid to each Contender who develops and delivers a full Solution based on the original Proposal within the deadline period. Dependant on Hackster’s acceptance.

5. Top Prize: Hackster judges all Solutions and picks the top one!

• After all Solutions are delivered, Hackster and Nordic will judge the top Solution.
• The creator of the top workshop solution will win a $5,000 contract to travel to Fab25 in the Czechia and deliver the experience live on the Maker Train.

What is the Nordic Thingy:91 X?

The Thingy:91 X is a powerful, global-ready prototyping platform ideal for IoT applications. Features include:

• Global connectivity: LTE-M, NB-IoT, and GNSS support.
• Advanced location tracking: Cellular, Wi-Fi, and GNSS with nRF Cloud Location Services.
• Comprehensive sensors: Monitor environmental conditions and movement.
• Perfect for asset tracking and innovative IoT solutions.
• Learn more about the Thingy:91 X on Farnell/Newark

Ready to Shape the Future of IoT and Engage the Maker Community?

Submit your proposal today to secure your spot in this exciting, fast-filling opportunity. Proposals close soon—don’t miss your chance to make your mark at Fab25! Submit your proposal now!

Prizes

Base Award

3 winners

$600 Base Payout

We will award 3 curriculums that demonstrates excellence in technical content creation.

Bonus Award

2 winners

Travel Grant to attend Fab25

Travel with the Hackster team to the event and present in person! Adding evangelizer as your badge!

Judges

Jan Dvoracek

FAB25 program lead

Jan is an experienced project manager with a maker mindset, currently working to bring the world's flagship maker and FabLab event – FAB25 Czechia – to the heart of Europe in July 2025. With over 4 years at FabLab Brno, Jan has been on a mission to evangelize the maker movement, digital fabrication, and STEAM education in Czechia and Central Europe. He is experienced in leading European funding projects, FabLab operations and process automation, lecturing digital fabrication skills and organizing events. He enjoys a delicious cup of coffee and spends his free time in the FabLab making cool projects.

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