STM32Cube Innovation Challenge 2026: Design with STM32C5
An online embedded design contest from Elektor and STMicroelectronics with €5,000 in prizes and free STM32C5 boards. Ideas by 30 November 2026, projects by 31 January 2027.
The STM32Cube Innovation Challenge: Design with STM32C5 is an online electronics contest run by Elektor in cooperation with STMicroelectronics. Entrants build a project with the STM32C5 microcontroller and the STM32Cube tools. The prize pool is €5,000: €2,500 for first place, €1,500 for second and €1,000 for third.
Engineers, makers and students can take part. You must be at least 18 and enter as an individual. Team entries and entries for a company are not allowed, and employees of Elektor, STMicroelectronics and their affiliates are excluded. The rules name no country limits, but the contest is void where the law forbids it.
STMicroelectronics offers a limited number of free development boards. You request a board with your project idea on the challenge page, and boards go to the ideas that reviewers judge best.
Projects are entered on the Elektor Labs platform, using the STM32Cube Innovation Challenge category. An entry needs a title, a short abstract, images, a detailed description and supporting files.
The contest started on 1 October 2026. Project ideas and board requests are accepted until 30 November 2026, and final projects are due by 31 January 2027, 24:00 CET. Winners will be announced on 17 March 2027 at embedded world in Nuremberg. Judges look at creativity, technical quality, function, user experience and documentation.
Quick answers
What are the prizes?
€5,000 in prizes. It is paid as prizes to the winning entries.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is 31 January 2027.
Who can apply?
Individuals aged 18 or older with a valid postal and email address. Team entries are not allowed, and employees of Elektor, STMicroelectronics and their affiliates and distributors are excluded. Applicants from anywhere in the world can enter, unless the eligibility rules say otherwise.
Is it online or in person?
Online. You can take part from anywhere the rules allow.
How do I apply?
Through the official page at elektormagazine.com. The link is at the top of this page.
Do I get hardware for free?
STMicroelectronics gives a limited number of free development boards, NUCLEO-C562RE or NUCLEO-C5A3ZG. Boards go to applicants based on a review of their project idea.
Can a team enter?
No. Only individuals can enter, not teams or companies.