element14, an online community and electronics distributor for engineers, has launched a smart home and healthcare design challenge, inviting engineers, makers, and technology enthusiasts to develop prototypes aimed at improving wellbeing and everyday living.
The initiative encourages participants to design and build a smart home or healthcare system that supports individuals or households, with projects focusing on areas such as physical health, mental wellbeing, or technologies that simplify daily life.
Five applicants will be selected to receive a free development kit to build their prototype. Participants will document their progress through blog posts before submitting their completed projects for judging.
Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing at element14 Community, explains, “Smart home and healthcare technologies have the potential to transform how we live and care for one another.
“This challenge encourages our global community to apply their creativity and engineering expertise to develop practical solutions that improve wellbeing, independence, and quality of life.”
Challenge focuses on practical innovation
Suggested project themes include open-source health monitoring systems, sports performance tracking, technologies to support older people, automated medication management, mental health tools, and interactive systems designed for children.
Projects will be assessed on creativity, technical execution, and how effectively they use the supplied components.
The first-place winner will receive a Google Pixel Watch and a Philips Hue Outdoor Camera. The second-place prize includes a Google Pixel Watch and a blood pressure monitor, and the third-place winner will receive a blood pressure monitor.
Participants who successfully complete the challenge will also receive an oximeter finger clip.
Applications are open until 16 August, with selected participants having until 18 October to complete and submit their projects.