Make It Better

with Sony
Improve and simplify people's lives with the new Spresense development board

Total prize pool of $6,000

Make It Better
Make It Better
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?
100 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 help@hackster.io 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 help@hackster.io to appeal.
What are the entry requirements?

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

1. General Requirements

  • You must be registered as a participant for this contest
  • Your entry must be your own original work
  • Your entry cannot have been selected as a winner in any other contest
  • Your team is no more than 5 members per entry*

*Note - 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)

2. Hardware Application Requirements

Note: If you choose to submit an idea for the chance at free hardware, you must meet the following requirements, otherwise jump to #3 below.

  • Your application must be submitted via the free hardware application found in the free hardware application tab
  • Your application must be written in English
  • Your application must use the Spresense Development Board
  • Your application must solve a problem related to improving people's professional or personal lives
  • Your application must be submitted by Dec 6, 2018 at 11:59 PM PT

3. Hardware/Software Build Requirements

  • Your project must be created using the Spresense Development Board
  • Your project must solve a problem related to improving people's professional or personal lives

4. Project Documentation Requirements

  • Your project must include a project name, elevator pitch (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 Mar 4, 2019 at 11:59 PM PT
What are the judging criteria?

Project Documentation (50 points)

  • Story/Instructions – Show how you created your project, including images, screenshots, and/or video (15 points)
  • BOM – Detail the hardware components as well as apps you used (10 points)
  • Schematics – Use software like Fritzing.org, draw your circuit diagrams, and/or take detailed photographs (10 points)
  • Code – Include working code with helpful comments (15 points)

Your project is a great example of showing the versatility of Spresense (30 points)

  • Take on an old idea is often worth as much as a brand new idea
  • Develop a project that other developers find interesting to see

Problem Solving (20 points)

  • How effectively does it solve a real world problem?

*Something to remember - great photographs, videos, and screenshots are worth a thousand words. Ask yourself: "If I were a beginner reading this project, would I understand how to recreate it?"

What are the prizes?
The Most Creative Spresense Project Overall
  • 1st Place: Sony PlayStation 4 Pro + Playstation VR + $100
  • 2nd Place: HX99 Compact Camera
  • 3rd Place: WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
The Best GPS Project using Spresense
  • 1st Place: Sony PlayStation 4 Pro + Playstation VR + $100
  • 2nd Place: HX99 Compact Camera
  • 3rd Place: WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
The Most Creative Spresense Project - Judges Pick
  • 1st Place: Sony PlayStation 4 Pro + Playstation VR + $100
  • 2nd Place: HX99 Compact Camera
  • 3rd Place: WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
The Best Audio or Microphone Project
  • 1st Place: Sony PlayStation 4 Pro + Playstation VR + $100
  • 2nd Place: HX99 Compact Camera
  • 3rd Place: WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
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 participant”

Step 2: Build and document your project

  • Build your project using Spresense Development Board according to the submission requirements
  • Document your project build on Hackster by clicking “create new project” or submit a previously created project by clicking “add existing project”.

Step 3: Review and submit your project

  • Review your project and make sure it meets all the submission requirements
  • Submit your project by Mar 4, 2019 at 11:59 PM PT by clicking “review and submit project”
What is the contest timeline?

Contest begins:

November 15, 2018 at 8:00 AM PT

Applications for hardware close:

December 6, 2018 at 11:59 PM PT

Announce hardware recipients:

December 13, 2018

Submissions close:

March 4, 2019 at 11:59 PM PT

Winners announced:

March 11, 2019

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

free devices winners will be announced by December 13, 2018. The list of winners will be visible on the Ideas tab.

Contest winners will be announced on March 11, 2019. 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 considered a minor in your place of residence, then you must receive a legal guardian's permission and complete Hackster’s contest permission form prior to submitting an entry into this challenge. Send the completed contest permission form to help@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 Challenge
  • You are not an immediate family member or household member of a Hackster employee.

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