Our
Mission

Event Summary

​Date: Jan, 2026 (TBD)

Location: The Bay Area (venue to be announced)

Format: In-person hackathon

Theme: AIoT · Maker · Creativity · Community

Team Formation: 2 - 4 

Number of Teams: around 20

Should I join?

Yes. 

If you are a Makers, Hardware Tinkerers & IoT Enthusiasts;

If you are a Developers who want to go beyond code;

If you are building interesting AI physical widget;

If you...

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, built on the ESP32-S3 platform — 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 $12,000+ 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.