In a world overflowing with information, the traditional static sign is a silent observer. Yet innovators outside the mainstream see the blank space differently—each bare wall an awaiting interactive space, each space puzzle a trigger for tech innovation. When open-source maker culture and signage cross paths, the transformation of physical space into intelligent environments is but a matter of time.
Innovation has no business behind locked laboratory doors; it thrives in the hands of individuals who are working on real-world problems.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by long supermarket queues, cumbersome visitor management systems, or cobweb-covered old classroom notice boards, you already have the seeds of innovation.
Makers have a special superpower, the power to quantify real-world needs using Arduino, reverse-engineer complicated systems using Raspberry Pi, and create AIoT solutions that address pain points directly.
This is more than a competition—it’s the beginning of the world’s first open-source interactive signage library. We can’t wait to see:
✨ Stunning interactive designs – Envision a market price board that negotiates in local languages or a hospital navigation screen that adjusts emergency routes based on patient vitals.
🌍 Space solutions at a scalable level – Your AR navigation wall can be a superior function of city’s subway system, or your voice-controlled doorplate can revolutionize service shops.
🚀 Open-source innovation first – All of the chosen projects will be featured in the “Future Signage Open Library”, credited to their creators and becoming part of the smart city foundations.
Timeline
Rules
- Participants are welcome to build their projects using platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or others, as long as the project includes any Seeed product and relates to the theme of interactive signage.
- Submit your application via the Google Form before 15 August, 2025.
- Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email.
- The project video will be published on Seeed’s YouTube channel for the public to vote.
Note: Contest end dates are at the sole discretion of Seeed Studio, and may be subject to change.
Submission Period
March 25 – August 15, 2025
Judging Period
August 16 – 31, 2025
Winner Announcement
September 1, 2025
Judging Criteria
Public Engagement (30%)
Based on the number of likes the Seeed YouTube channel video receives.
Judge Panel (70%)
Evaluated based on:
Project Documentation
Quality of tutorials and write-ups on platforms like Hackster, Instructables, or Hackaday, etc.
Practicality & Application
How functional and useful the project is in real-world scenarios.
Innovation & Creativity
Unique features, original ideas, and creative problem-solving.
Technical Execution
Quality of circuit design, coding, and integration of components.
Aesthetics & Design
Visual appeal and overall presentation.
Jinger Zeng
Jinger Zeng is a thought-leader in drone technology and Drones for Good– and the program manager of Hackster.
Eric Pan
Founder of Seeed Studio and Chaihuo makerspace, Producer of Maker Faire Shenzhen. He endeavors to integrate the latest AI/blockchain/IoT technology and supply chain resources to create an open platform for global developers. Since 2008, Seeed has been empowering millions of developers in over 200 countries to turn ideas into prototypes and advanced perception systems.
Huang Songhao
Huang Songhao (b. 1990) is a Shanghai-based artist and curator, graduated from the China Academy of Art, currently serving as the director of the non-profit art organization “RaidenINST,” focusing on the impact of contemporary technology on artistic production. Also co-founded “Radical Space,” with works exhibited in art institutions both domestically and internationally.
David Groom
David is a Community Editor at Make, specializing in web technologies such as HTML, React, and WordPress, as well as backend and infrastructure solutions including Node.js, Linux, AWS, and microservices. With a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, David actively takes on new challenges to expand expertise and drive excellence in every project.
Marco Zennaro
Marco specializes in ICT4D, with concentrated expertise in IoT and TinyML applications tailored to developing nations. He has organized technical workshops across over 30 countries and served as the designated representative for the ITU Centre of Excellence in IoT, Big Data, and Statistics, driving initiatives to advance technological solutions for global development challenges.
Norella Coronell
With expertise spanning the tech and nonprofit sectors, Norella is a seasoned event producer and manager, as well as a marketing, networking, and communication strategist. Holding a Fab Academy Diploma in Digital Fabrication, a Master’s Degree in Project Management, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design, Norella brings a multidisciplinary perspective to every endeavor, combining creativity with strategic execution.
Rico Kanthatham
Rico Kanthatham is the founder and director of Skylabworkshop, a fablab located in Kamakura, Japan. Formerly an architecture designer and securities investment manager, he now focuses on promoting digital literacy as an instructor of STEAM learning workshops, as well as the Fabacademy and Fabricademy programs.
Viktor Petersson
CEO and Co-Founder of Screenly. Viktor is a serial entrepreneur specializing in cybersecurity and innovation. He’s the founder of sbomify, simplifying SBOM management and compliance, and cofounder of Screenly, a secure digital signage provider trusted by NASA, Lowe’s, and Capital One. Viktor also hosts the podcast Nerding Out With Viktor.
Prize
This is not a demo showcase—this is a revolution to change how spaces speak. Your code could fuel the next revolution of interactive retail, and your circuit design could dictate the logic of skyscraper digital signage. Here, every soldered joint counts toward the future of spatial intelligence, and every line of code builds a smarter world.
Winners receive more than just certificates and cool hardware tools, they unlock game-changing opportunities:
Prototype-to-product full support (hardware prototyping, structural design, compliance certification).
Direct access to Seeed Co-Create resources.
Seed Fund support from Seeed Studio and priority promotion through the Chaihuo Makerspace ecosystem.
Invitation ticket to Maker Faire Shenzhen 2025.
🏆 First Prize
Total Value: $1,500+ | 1 Winner
✈️ $1,000 Travel Grant – Sponsoring the winner’s trip to Maker Faire Shenzhen 2025 (November 15-16)
🎁 Seeed Product Gift Pack (worth $500)
🎽 Limited-Edition Seeed Swag – Windbreaker, stickers, canvas bag, and more
🥈 Second Prize
Total Value: $300 | 2 Winners
🎁 Seeed Product Gift Pack (worth $300)
🎽 Limited-Edition Seeed Swag – Windbreaker, stickers, canvas bag, and more
🥉 Third Prize
Total Value: $100 | 3 Winners
🎁 Seeed Product Gift Pack (worth $100)
👕 Limited-Edition Seeed Swag – T-Shirt, stickers and more
🏅 Enthusiastic Prize
Total Value: $50 | 8 Winners
🎁 Seeed Coupon (worth $50)
Surprise Bonuses
In addition to prizes, the 14 winners will have the opportunity to receive Co-Create support, guiding their projects from development to productization and even large-scale market launch—turning creative ideas into reality.
Co-create Success Cases
Crazyfile
Open-Source Quadcopter Drone. Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of this product have been sold to date.
XIAO PowerBread
A cmpact and high-power breadboard supply with built-in monitoring. After being listed, it quickly sold out.
OpenUC2 10x AI Microscope
A revolutionary step towards making high-quality, automated microscopy accessible to everyone.
Seeed provides one-stop services tailored to your needs, from design & customization to production and promotion. Our Co-create provides solutions for every stage of your hardware journey, whether you’re starting from scratch, have a prototype, or need assistance with production and sales.
Resources Recommendation
This contest is open to all innovative ideas and designs related to smart signage—whether it’s a groundbreaking interactive experience or a novel display application. To support participants in building more advanced and intelligent digital signage projects, we are offering a 15% discount coupon（Code: P6ZKYDZ9) for purchasing the following recommended hardware, you can enjoy 15% off for those product purchasing:
Partner
FAQ
1. Did I win the contest? When will I receive my prize?
If you are a winner, we will contact you directly via email to arrange the shipment of your prize.
2. What are the steps to enter the contest?
Step 1: Build, Record and Document Your Project (Video is a must)
Step 2: Register and upload a previously created project for the Contest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZPR4I1hLIaOGnfMFNaEDanzUiHWC_B96Ok-UIfe81YA/preview
3. Somebody copied my entry! What can I do?
When judging entries, we take into account the submission date. When an entry is clearly plagiarized from another, we favor the original entry. If you believe the result of the judging is unfair, please email us at [email protected] to appeal.
Couldn't find an answer to your question?
Join our discord channel for more discussion: