element14, an Avnet community, has launched a new smart sustainability design challenge inviting engineers, makers and technology enthusiasts to design and build innovative projects focused on recycling, waste reduction and environmental sustainability.
The challenge encourages participants to create a smart recycling or waste management solution using electronics, sensors, automation and intelligent control systems. Whether creating a smart-city waste management prototype, automatically sorting recyclables with computer vision, or building an autonomous system to manage household trash bins, participants are encouraged to apply creativity and engineering expertise to real-world sustainability applications.
Five selected challengers will receive a free kit of components to support the design and build of their projects. Participants will document their build process through blog posts and share their final outcomes on element14 Community. Entries will be evaluated based on innovation, technical execution and creative use of the kit of components.
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“Technology can play a significant role in helping communities reduce waste and improve recycling processes,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing and element14 Community. “This challenge gives our members the opportunity to explore practical sustainability solutions while applying their engineering skills to challenges that impact everyday life and the environment.”
Prizes and application deadlines
The first-place winner will receive a TUF Gaming Laptop and Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis. The second-place winner will receive a MacBook Neo and a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis, while the third-place winner will receive a Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Chassis. All participants who successfully complete the challenge will also receive an RC garbage truck and a Thunderbolt 3 Mini Docking Station.
Applications are open now through 18 October 2026. Selected participants will have until 13 December 2026 to complete their projects and submit their entries. Winners will be announced in January 2027.
For more information and to register now, visit: https://community.element14.com/trash