Arduino and Qualcomm Launch First Global Developer Competition on Hackster in 2026, Distribute 300 Arduino UNO Q Microcontroller Boards
San Diego-based Arduino and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. have launched the world’s first Hackster-based global developer competition in 2026. Engineers, creators, and innovators from around the world will be able to build innovative projects using the latest Arduino UNO Q platform. The competition will be hosted on Hackster.io and supported by a strong ecosystem of technology partners. It aims to accelerate innovation in AI, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and edge computing. Through the event, developers can turn creative ideas into real-world solutions that embody connected intelligence.
To support participation, the organisers will hand out 300 Arduino UNO Q microcontroller boards to competition entrants. With these devices, developers can prototype, experiment, and develop ideas using cutting-edge hardware.
At the heart of the competition is Arduino UNO Q, a hybrid platform that combines Qualcomm Dragonwing QRB2210 MPU with a Linux OS, and STM32 microcontroller for real-time control. The dual-architecture design helps developers build advanced applications that blend AI inference, on-device processing, and cloud connectivity.
Participants will develop projects using Arduino App Lab, which facilitates integration of Arduino sketches, Python applications, and AI models in a single workflow. Supporting edge machine learning, including computer vision and audio AI, UNO Q brings smart technology directly to the device (on-device intelligence).
The microcontroller also features various connectivity and expansion options, such as Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, HDMI, USB-C, camera and display connectors, classic Arduino headers, and Qwiic support, enabling rapid prototyping for a range of use cases.
The competition is open to developers at all levels, from students and hobbyists to professional engineers. Participants can submit projects that address real-world challenges across fields such as industrial IoT, home automation, robotics, gaming, and social impact.
Submissions will be judged on innovation, technical quality, user experience, sustainability, and scalability. Participants can thus develop solutions that are not only prototypes but practical real-world deployments.
How to participate: Developers can participate by registering via Hackster.io. Team or individual winners will receive cash prizes, global visibility on Hackster.io, and industry recognition. The winner of the “Best in Show” category will also receive a free trip to Maker Faire Rome 2026, where they will present their project to a global community of makers, engineers, and technology industry leaders.
For fuller information, see the official press release via this link. SOURCE Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.