Empowering Innovation with TinyMl and IoT in Buea, Cameroon 🇨🇲
Our SeeedStudio Ranger, Dessap Loic, hosted our first TinyML and IoT workshop in the vibrant city of Buea, SouthWest Region of Cameroon, at the College of Technology, University of Buea. SEEEDSTUDIO, TMEEDUCATION, and RobotSave proudly sponsored this exciting initiative in collaboration with Plastibytes.
During the workshop, 80++ students enthusiastically explored cutting-edge technologies through practical, immersive sessions, including:
- AI model training and deployment using Sensecraft and EdgeImpluse platform. Participants trained and deployed machine learning models on XIAOESP32s3 AI vision Camera to perform real-time image classification and object detection.
- Sensor Data Collection( Temperature, light intensity and potentiometer ) and visualisation from the TME Education Arduino board using NodeRed dashboard,
- Building IoT base LoRa Solution network, we set up a LoRaWAN network using SenseCAP LoRaWAN Gateways and Nodes, connecting it by registering it to TheThingsNetwork and SenseCAP Mate for sensor data transmission and monitoring to the end user over the Internet.
- Plastibyte presentation by Mbah Matt Klaus, which is a project by the Hardware Community that ♻ and turns plastic waste into plastic filaments consumable for 3D printers.
The energy peaked with a thrilling 24-hour Hackathon
Hackathon: Solving real-world problems using Tinyml and Iot in Cameroon
Participants teamed up to transform innovative ideas into fully functional prototypes within 24 hours.
The event was a powerful demonstration of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving, as each team tackled real-world challenges using cutting-edge technology. Standout projects included:
Project 1: AI Vision Aid for the Visually Impaired
A wearable device powered by the Xiao ESP32 and AI vision to help visually impaired users navigate their surroundings more independently.
Project 2: IoT Smart Garden for Intelligent Agriculture
A connected garden system that monitors soil moisture, temperature, and light levels to automate irrigation and optimize plant growth.
second project , smart monitoring garden
- Project 3: LoRa GPS Tracker for Remote Monitoring
A long-range, low-power GPS tracking solution for assets or individuals in remote areas with limited connectivity.
- Project 4: AI-Powered Student Focus Monitor
A classroom tool that uses AI to detect student attention levels and help educators adjust their teaching strategies in real time.
- Project 5: Autonomous Navigated Farm Bot
A robot capable of navigating farmland autonomously to irrigate crops and collect environmental data for smart farming decisions.
- Project 6: Autonomous Delivery Robot
A self-driving delivery system designed for transporting goods across short distances efficiently and safely.
- Project 7: AI-Enabled Robotic Arm for Waste Classification
A robotic arm equipped with AI vision (Xiao Camera) to sort and classify waste, promoting more efficient recycling processes.
These projects showcased the participants’ technical abilities and commitment to addressing local and global challenges through innovation and teamwork.
We extend heartfelt thanks to the Director of CoT, University of Buea, Christian TCHAPGA TCHITO , Aurelle Tchagna, PhD, Eng. hashtagFeudjio_cyrille Matt-Klaus Mushi , Alison Yang , Asongna Brilan and our incredible tech partners TME Education , Seeed Studio , Violet SU and Plastibytes for making this event a resounding success.
Together, we’re building a future where young innovators are empowered to shape the world with technology!
During the event, we proudly announced the global launch of the Interactive Signage Contest 2025! From voice-activated doorplates to classroom boards that update in real time, this contest invites makers to design open-source signage powered by AI, IoT, and Seeed Studio hardware.
Selected projects will receive:
Prototyping support
Co-Create collaboration
Seed funding
A fast track to present at Maker Faire Shenzhen 2025
Partners include: RobotSave Education, Chaihuo Maker Space, Hackster.io, Make:, ICTP, Fab Foundation, Supplyframe, MakerGram, Gabotrix and others.
More Information: https://www.seeedstudio.com/blog/join-seeeds-interactive-signage-contest-2025/
Thank You, College Of Technology, University of BUEA, Cameroon 
As a Seeed Ranger, witnessing how collaboration between passionate partners and participants brought this event to life was deeply fulfilling. From facilitating hands-on workshops to supporting teams during the intense 24-hour hackathon, my role extended far beyond technical guidance it was about empowering people to see the real-world potential of open hardware and AI.
This event wasn’t just a workshop, it was the beginning of a movement. A movement driven by innovation, curiosity, and a shared vision to create solutions that address real challenges in our communities.
Thank you to everyone who helped ignite ideas and turn them into action.
Let’s keep building. Let’s keep solving.
Powered by Seeed Studio – your global partner in AI + IoT prototyping.
About Author
