The world is facing unprecedented biodiversity loss — and we need technology that does more than just measure it. The Edge AI Earth Guardians Challenge, hosted by Hackster and the EDGE AI FOUNDATION, calls on innovators everywhere to design AI-powered solutions that actively protect and connect with nature.
This is more than a competition. It’s a collaborative effort to blend cutting-edge engineering with empathy, ethics, and ecological awareness.
Why This Matters
Hackster has a long history of turning bold ideas into real-world impact — from Elephant Edge tracking collars to IoT Into the Wild plug-and-play conservation tools. Each challenge proves that with the right tools and purpose, creators can design resilient, ethical, and scalable solutions that serve both people and the planet.
Edge AI Earth Guardians builds on this legacy, inviting students, entrepreneurs, and researchers to create systems that move beyond detection — to active protection.
Three Tracks, One Mission
Wherever you are in your journey, there’s a place for you:
- Track 1 – Idea to Prototype: Turn early concepts into tangible prototypes with guidance, community resources, and hardware support.
- Track 2 – Prototype to Market: Scale and refine working demos for real-world deployment.
- Track 3 – Fast Track for Research: Showcase mature, research-backed solutions ready for global collaboration.
Support to Build Faster
Thanks to NextPCB, the top 30 hardware applicants will receive $500 in manufacturing credit to accelerate development. Whether you’re building wildlife trackers, environmental sensors, or edge AI field devices, this helps you get from breadboard to field-ready hardware faster.
Competition Timeline
- July 29: Challenge opens
- August 15: Hardware application deadline
- September 24: Project submission deadline
- October 1: Finalists announced
- November 2025: Winners present at EDGE AI Taipei
Top prizes include $2,500 and a paid trip to Taiwan to share your innovation with a global audience.
How to Get Started
- Register for the competition on Hackster.
- Propose your idea and apply for hardware by August 15.
- Build, document, and submit your project before September 24.
- Compete for your chance to present at EDGE AI Taipei 2025.
🌍 Your skills can help protect our planet. Be part of the change.
👉 Sign up now on Hackster and learn more at edgeaifoundation.org