Opportunity brief

About The Event:

IoTopia: Hardware Expo is an IoT and hardware exhibition where student innovators showcase functional hardware projects addressing critical real-world challenges through IoT, embedded systems, smart automation, and sustainable technologies.
The expo is aligned with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Smart healthcare systems, health monitoring, and safety devices.
SDG 7: Affordable And Clean Energy: Energy-efficient automation, smart grids, and renewable energy integration.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities And Communities: Smart urban infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and sustainable automation.

Round-wise Details:

Format: Online PPT Submission.
Mechanism: Registered teams submit a detailed slide deck outlining their project concept, problem statement, hardware architecture, circuit/block diagrams, and SDG alignment for initial screening and shortlisting.

Format: Physical prototype exhibition & live presentation.
Mechanism: Shortlisted teams set up their hardware project booth at the venue, display a project poster (A1/A2 size), and perform live working demonstrations before a panel of judges, followed by a Q&A session.

Eligibility: Open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and postgraduate students. Cross-college teams are permitted, but each participant can belong to only one team. A valid college ID card is mandatory.
Team Size: 1 to 4 members per team.

Projects must be physically built and working utilizing microcontrollers/microprocessors (Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32, etc.), sensors, actuators, and active connectivity modules.
Simulation-only or software-only projects are strictly prohibited.
Projects must be original. Buying off-the-shelf, fully ready-made products will lead to instant disqualification. Pre-built kits are permitted only if substantial original engineering and custom logic are demonstrated.
Live demonstrations are required; pre-recorded videos serve purely as a secondary backup.

Teams must bring their own components, laptops, extension boards, cables, and power banks. Basic power outlets and Wi-Fi will be provided.
Each team must present a poster (A1/A2 size) detailing the project title, problem, solution, SDG mapping, and circuit/system block diagram.

Open flames, hazardous chemicals, dangerous materials, or high-voltage setups (above 230V) are strictly prohibited.
Plagiarism of code, circuit designs, or ideas without proper credit is forbidden.

Innovation and Originality
Technical Complexity & Working Prototype Execution
SDG Alignment & Social Impact
Practicality, Scalability & Cost-Effectiveness
Presentation, Poster Quality & Q&A Response
Overall System Design, Finish & Safety
Tie-breaker: Higher score in Technical Complexity, followed by Q&A performance.
Final Authority: The decision of the judges and organizing committee is final and binding.