Is it an in-person Hackathon?

Yes. 

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

​

​Welcome to use 3D printing.

Free Dev Board Kit

All approved attendees will be gifted T5-E1-Touch-AMOLED-1.75 and build ideas on it. This time we are sponsored with 100 this dev board kits. You need to join our kick off event on January 9th 6PM and join into a team. The dev kits will be distributed after your team is registered. Not showing up or not finishing team registration on January 9th means not accepting the dev board kit.

If you receive a dev board kit, please try to finish the demo and submit it before the deadline.

Team Formation

We suggest 2 or 3 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 January 11th, all teams are required to submit a presentation slides and get prepared for the pitch.

Other offerings?

Please check our venue JJ Lake Business Center. Our parking space is big enough for all approved attendees. We also offer some drinks at our venue. Since our budget is limited, we might not offer meals.

Available for a visit?

If you are a visitor, please click visitors register on the top right conner. We open for visit after 3PM January 11th.

Criteria of Assessment

TBD

Differentiation

🧠 1. Hardware + AI, Not Just Software

Most Silicon Valley hackathons focus on web apps, APIs, or LLM integrations.

HackStorm centers on AI hardware and IoT devices — meaning participants create physical prototypes that interact with the real world, not just screens.

⚙️ 2. Learn by Doing, Not Just Pitching

Instead of pure competition, HackStorm emphasizes hands-on learning:

participants attend pre-event workshops on Agora APIs, AI tools, and embedded development to lower the entry barrier for hardware creation.

It’s 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, and voice interfaces, turning digital intelligence into tangible experiences — from AI-powered clocks and mood meters to talking pets or emotion displays.

💡 5. Designed for Creativity, Not Code Sprints

While many hackathons reward code speed, 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 ESP32-S3 development board (provided to every team).

• 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 $10,000+ 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.