Winning projects will be featured in Electronics For You through dedicated editorial coverage and author pages
DigiKey has recently unveiled its sponsorship of the AIoT Design Challenge 2026, an initiative that encourages innovation at the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The agenda of this competition is to provide students, engineers, makers, and technology enthusiasts with a platform to develop real-world AIoT solutions and gain industry recognition.
In this challenge, registered participants will have access to resources, including development board specifications, project submission guidelines, sample ideas, learning materials, and curated video tutorials. These resources are intended to help participants transform innovative concepts into functional projects.
The competition offers attractive rewards for successful entries. Participants whose ideas are shortlisted will receive development boards from leading technology suppliers such as Analog Devices, Arduino, and M5Stack, along with the opportunity to compete for cash prizes. The winner will receive ₹1,00,000, while the second- and third-place winners will receive ₹30,000 and ₹20,000, respectively. Additionally, 15 projects selected as the “Most Popular Projects” will each receive ₹5,000. Participants submitting qualified project abstracts will also receive a Certificate of Participation.
“DigiKey is excited to sponsor the AIoT Design Challenge 2026 and support the next generation of innovators exploring the possibilities of AI and IoT,” said Ben Brookes, Director of Regional Marketing for DigiKey. “We are eager for participants to develop impactful, real-world solutions that push the boundaries of connected technology and inspire innovation across industries.”
Beyond prizes, the challenge offers significant industry visibility. Winning projects will be featured in Electronics For You through dedicated editorial coverage and author pages, and promoted across EFY’s digital channels, potentially reaching an audience of more than five million industry professionals.
All project submissions will be reviewed by industry experts and assessed on several criteria, including innovation, effective use of components sourced through DigiKey, documentation quality, practical applicability, and the strength of project demonstrations. Organisers say the evaluation process is designed to encourage participants to develop comprehensive, impactful AIoT solutions that address real-world challenges.
With growing interest in AI-powered connected devices across industries, the AIoT Design Challenge 2026 is expected to serve as a launchpad for emerging talent while fostering the development of next-generation intelligent technologies.
