Is it an in-person Hackathon?

Yes. It will take place May 22–24, 2026 at Santa Clara.

Do I need hardware experience to join?

Great to have. It's OK if you don't have hardware experience since all approved attendees will build software APPs for Tuya T5 E1 (Feel free to connect Tuya T5 E1 with other hardware). You will use TuyaOpen for development. 

We will schedule one or two workshops before the hackathon to help approved attendees setup the environment and get familiar with TuyaOpen.

Tech Spec

T5-E1-Touch-AMOLED-1.75

​TuyaOpen SDK

Cursor or other vibe coding tools

3D printing welcome (Bambu Lab printers on-site)

Available Hardware

• 50 × Tuya T5 dev board kits (AIoT track)

• 10 × AgileX Piper robotic arms (Robotics track — loan during event)

• 5 × Bambu Lab 3D printers (available on-site for all teams)

• Seeed Studio dev boards (available on-site)

Team Formation

We suggest 2 or 5 makers per team. You will to find your teammates by yourself. We welcome you to invite your friends to register and join.

Submission

Before our deadline 3PM May 24th, all teams are required to submit a presentation slides and get prepared for the pitch.

Available for a visit?

If you are a visitor, please click visitors register on the top right conner. We open for visit after 3PM May 24th.

Criteria of Assessment

TBD

Differentiation

🧠 1. Physical AI, Not Just Software

Most Silicon Valley hackathons focus on web apps, APIs, or LLM integrations. HackStorm centers on Physical AI and AIoT devices — participants create hardware prototypes that interact with the real world, not just screens.

⚙️ 2. Learn by Doing, Not Just Pitching

HackStorm emphasizes hands-on learning. Pre-event workshops on TuyaOpen, AI tools, and embedded development lower the entry barrier for hardware creation — designed for both first-time hardware builders and experienced AI engineers.

🤝 3. A Maker-Style Community

HackStorm blends hacker culture with maker creativity — encouraging collaboration, experimentation, and playful invention.

🧩 4. AI Meets the Physical World

Projects connect AI models with sensors, displays, robotic arms, and voice interfaces — turning digital intelligence into tangible, embodied experiences.

💡 5. Creativity Over Code Sprints

HackStorm rewards imagination, interaction design, and storytelling — helping teams showcase prototypes that delight, not just function.

You will get

🧰 Hands-On AI Hardware Experience

• Build your own AI-powered device using the dev boards (provided to every team) and robotics arms.

• Learn to combine AI models, sensors, touchscreens, and voice input to make interactive IoT prototypes.

• Access on-site technical mentors and get full guidance from idea to demo.

🧠 Skill Growth Through Workshops

• Three pre-event workshops on Agora real-time APIs, AI tools, and ESP32-S3 development.

• Perfect for beginners — you’ll gain the confidence to build real hardware from scratch.

• Learn by doing, not by slides.

💡 Creative & Entrepreneurial Mindset

• Turn a raw idea into a tangible prototype in just 48 hours.

• Learn rapid prototyping, team collaboration, and pitch storytelling.

• Experience the thrill of building something physical that moves, reacts, and thinks.

🤝 Community & Collaboration

• Meet 100+ AI builders, makers, engineers, and students who share your curiosity.

• Find co-founders, mentors, or future teammates through Discord pre-match channels and on-site networking.

• Join a growing AIoT community that keeps innovating after the event.

🏆 Recognition & Rewards

• Compete for $6,000+ in prizes, including “Best Overall,” “VC’s Choice,” and “Audience Favorite.”

• Showcase your creation at the Demo Show & Pitch Night in front of judges, investors, and media.

• Get featured in HackStorm’s post-event showcase and partner channels.