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Build, Innovate, and Compete!

Ready to put your embedded design skills to the test? With the STM32Cube Innovation Challenge (Design with STM32C5), STMicroelectronics and Elektor invite engineers, makers, and students to create innovative electronics projects using the STM32Cube ecosystem and STM32C5 microcontrollers. By entering a project in the Challenge, you have a chance to win a share of €5,000 in prizes and gain international recognition. This competition is your opportunity to put your creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities to the test and transform your idea into a working STM32C5-based project.

Challenge Timeline

  • Challenge Launch: October 2026
  • Board Requests: October–November 2026
  • Project Submission Deadline: January 31, 2027
  • Winners Announcement: March 17, 2027 at Embedded World

Prizes

  • First Prize: €2,500
  • Second Prize: €1,500
  • Third Prize: €1,000

Need Hardware to Compete?

To compete in the STM32Cube Innovation Challenge, your project must use the STM32Cube ecosystem and incorporate an STM32C5 microcontroller. STMicroelectronics is offering free STM32C5 development boards to a limited number of eligible participants. Participants can request either the NUCLEO-C562RE or NUCLEO-C5A3ZG. If you would like to receive a board, complete the request form below and tell us more about the project you plan to build.

NUCLEO-C562RE

NUCLEO-C562RE

View Product Page
NUCLEO-C5A3ZG

NUCLEO-C5A3ZG

View Product Page

STM32Cube Ecosystem & the STM32C5

STMicroelectronics has introduced an upgraded STM32Cube ecosystem for the STM32C5 series, a family of 32-bit microcontrollers based on the Arm Cortex-M33 core. The STM32C5 series is designed for embedded applications that require a combination of performance, security, connectivity, and energy efficiency. The new STM32Cube foundation is designed to improve productivity, performance, and scalability for STM32 development. Key additions include STM32 HAL2 for optimized hardware abstraction, STM32CubeMX2 for faster configuration and code generation, and STM32CubeIDE for VS Code for STM32 development directly within Visual Studio Code. ST has also expanded the ecosystem with improved web documentation, a new STM32 example library, and STM32 Sidekick, an AI-powered assistant for finding relevant technical resources.

STM32Cube
STM32C5 Board

STM32C5 Development Board Request Form

STMicroelectronics has set aside a limited number of development boards for eligible participants in the Challenge. If you would like to request a free board, complete the form below and explain why you would like to receive one and what kind of project or application you intend to develop. Requests and project ideas will be reviewed by staff from STMicroelectronics and Elektor. Submission of the form does not guarantee that a board will be provided.

Email Address
First Name
Last Name
Company
Website
Shipping Street & House number
Shipping Address Addition
City
Zip or Postal Code
Country
Phone
Select the board you would like to make a project with
What is your project/application? (max. 500 words, add a reason why your project should be selected to get a free board)
 The Terms & Conditions
 STMicroelectronic's privacy statement
 Elektor's privacy statement


Enter Your Project in the STM32Cube Innovation Challenge

To enter the Challenge, you must develop, document, and submit your project through the Elektor Labs platform. A free Elektor Labs account is required. Your project submission must include:

  • Project Title
  • Teaser / Abstract
  • Project Image
  • Description: An in-depth explanation of what you built, how the STM32C5 board is used, and your results.
  • Elements: Schematics, block diagrams, additional photos, PCB files, software/code, and other relevant material.

When uploading your project, make sure to select “STM32Cube Innovation Challenge” as the contest.

 


 

Submit Your Project

See how to upload a project to Elektor Labs   |   Read the Official Rules, Terms and Conditions

 

Judging & Participation

To compete in the STM32Cube Innovation Challenge, your project must use the STM32Cube ecosystem and incorporate an STM32C5 microcontroller. A team of judges comprising engineers, executives, and editors from STMicroelectronics and Elektor will select the top three winners based on technical merit, originality, and design optimization. Entries will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  1. Creativity and Innovation: The uniqueness and originality of the design.
  2. Technical Excellence: The technical proficiency demonstrated in using the STM32Cube ecosystem and an STM32C5 microcontroller.
  3. Functionality and Practicality: The effectiveness and practicality of the design in solving a real-world problem or improving the user experience.
  4. Aesthetics and User Experience: The visual appeal, interface design, and overall experience.
  5. Documentation and Presentation: The clarity, completeness, and quality of the project documentation.

Eligibility

  1. The contest is open to individuals aged 18 years or older.
  2. Participants must have a valid physical and email address.
  3. Entries must be submitted by individuals rather than companies or other entities.
  4. Employees of Elektor, STMicroelectronics, and their affiliates are not eligible to participate.
  5. Participants must agree to the Official Rules and Terms and Conditions.
  6. All required project information must be submitted before the deadline.

Technical Resources

Learn more about the STM32Cube ecosystem and the STM32C5 series:


Questions regarding the challenge can be sent to Elektor International Media B.V. at service@elektor.com