Sensor Fusion Challenge

Once you are an official contender, you will be entering into a legally binding agreement with Hackster to deliver a solution based on your proposal. Contenders who receive free hardware and do not finish the challenge may be ineligible for future challenges and competitions unless the hardware is returned. If you receive free hardware and become unable to finish, please contact us at help@hackster.io and let us know as soon as possible. We may choose to arrange for the hardware to be shipped to another proposal.

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 [sponsor name - platform] account.
• Your entry must be your own original work.
• Your entry cannot have been selected as a winner in any other Hackster contest.
• Your team is no more than 5 members per entry.*

*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 [featured technology]. (e.g. 3D magnetic 2GO kit)
• Your hardware application must solve a problem related to [contest theme]. (e.g. earth preservation)
• Your hardware application must be submitted by Dec 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM PT.

Hardware/Software Build Requirements

• Your project must be created using the [featured technology]. (e.g. 3D magnetic 2GO kit)
• Your project must be created using the [featured software]. (e.g. Arduino IDE)
• Your project must be created using the [featured platform]. (e.g. Amazon API)
• Your project must be a/an [featured category]. (e.g. autonomous vehicle)
• Your project must solve a problem related to [contest theme]. (e.g. earth preservation)

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 Feb 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM PT.

Your project will be judged according to the rubric below.

• Project Documentation (20 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?”
• Code & Contribution (40 points)
  The main portion of this Challenge is how your code fuses the inputs from multiple sensors to create a deterministic outcome. Include working code with helpful comments.
• Creativity (30 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).
• Complete BOM & Schematics (10 points)
  Detail the hardware, software and/or tools used. Including circuit diagrams using software like Fritzing.org and/or take detailed photographs.

• Cash Payout ($1,000 value) (3 are available)

• Trip to San Diego ($1,200 value)

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 Feb 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM PT by clicking “review and submit project” on the contest page.

Challenges are a new type of contest. We are in the beta stage for this new feature.

Contenders will be announced by December 30, 2025. The list of contenders will be visible on the Submit a proposal tab.

Contest winners will be announced on March 24, 2026. The list of winners will be visible on the main page (Contest brief).

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 employee.

Only official contenders are able to submit solutions to this challenge. Please take your time and submit a thorough proposal in order to be considered.