Open Source Hardware Hackathon 2026

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If you’re a student who wants to move beyond theory and actually build something real, the Open Source Hardware Hackathon 2026 (OSHW 2026) is an opportunity you should not miss. 

Organized as an initiative by the FOSSEE Project, IIT Bombay, this hackathon brings together students, makers, and innovators from across the globe to learn, build, and share openly.



🔧 What Is Open Source Hardware Hackathon 2026?

The Open Source Hardware Hackathon 2026 (OSHW 2026) is a 1-month long online hardware hackathon where participants prototype real hardware solutions and release their work as open source.

This means:

  • You build real hardware

  • You open-source your code and schematics

  • You document and share your learning

  • You demo your final solution

🗓️ Hackathon Timeline & Mode

📌 Hackathon Timeline

  • Duration: 1 Month

  • Dates: 16 February – 16 March 2026

🌐 Mode of Participation

  • Fully Online

🌍 Hackathon Themes

Participants are encouraged to work on meaningful problems aligned with real-world needs. The major themes include:

🏥 1. Healthcare & Assistive Technology

  • Low-cost medical devices

  • Health monitoring systems

  • Assistive tools for people with disabilities

🌱 2. Energy & Sustainability

  • Smart energy meters

  • Renewable energy monitoring systems

  • Eco-friendly and sustainable hardware solutions

🤖 3. Smart Systems & Automation

  • Smart campus tools

  • Automation solutions

  • IoT-based smart city applications

👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 Can I Apply?

Yes—this hackathon is beginner-friendly and inclusive.

You can apply if you are:

  • Undergraduate or Postgraduate student

  • Polytechnic or technical institute student

  • Part of a maker space, innovation club, or interdisciplinary team

  • A global participant (international students welcome)

👥 Team Rules

  • You can participate individually or as a team

  • Maximum 5 participants per team

  • One person cannot be part of more than one team

🛠️ What Will You Actually Do?

During the hackathon, you will:

  1. Prototype real hardware

  2. Open-source your code and schematics

  3. Document and share your work clearly

  4. Demonstrate your final solution

🎓 Certificates & Recognition

Participants who complete valid and accepted submissions generally receive certificates of participation.

✨ These certificates:

  • Strengthen your resume

  • Help in internship and placement applications

  • Prove your hands-on hardware experience

📜 Rules & Regulations (Important)

Before applying, keep these key rules in mind:

  • The decision of the review committee and organizers will be final

  • A participant cannot be part of more than one team

  • If found in multiple teams, all involved teams will be disqualified

  • Accepted submissions will be released under an open-source license

  • Copyright must be transferred to the FOSSEE Project

  • Each team will have only one team lead as the point of contact

  • Any form of malpractice will lead to immediate disqualification

🔗 I CAN’T WAIT — GIVE ME THE LINK!

Here you go 👇
👉 Official Website & Registration:
https://oshw26.fossee.in


🚀 Why You Should Not Miss This Hackathon

  • Learn hardware by building, not just reading

  • Work on real-world problem statements

  • Create a strong open-source portfolio project

  • Gain recognition from an IIT Bombay initiative

  • Perfect for 2nd-year, 3rd-year, and beginner students

If you’ve ever wanted to turn ideas into real hardware, this is your sign.

Build it. Open-source it. Show the world what you can do. 💡

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