WADSIH Hardware Hack 2026

Event Information Page

The 2026 WADSIH Hardware Hack is a new hands-on innovation challenge that brings together university students to design, build and prototype AI-enabled hardware solutions for real-world problems. Working in multidisciplinary teams, participants will combine software, electronics and rapid prototyping to create functional devices that address challenge statements in areas such as assistive technology and mining.

Delivered in partnership with ICP, the Hardware Hack provides participants with access to a makerspace, hardware kits, 3D printers and technical mentoring throughout the program. Following the launch event, teams will have three weeks to independently develop their prototypes, supported by weekly workshops and check-ins at ICP before showcasing their solutions at Demo Night.

The Hardware Hack is designed to introduce students to physical AI systems by working with technologies such as ESP32 microcontrollers, sensors, actuators and 3D-printed components, with an emphasis on building practical, achievable prototypes rather than polished commercial products.

The Hardware Hack aims to:

Introduce students to AI-enabled hardware development through hands-on prototyping.
Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between software, engineering and design students.
Develop practical solutions to real-world challenges in assistive technology and mining.
Connect participants with industry mentors, makers and the broader innovation ecosystem.
Showcase creative, functional prototypes that demonstrate the potential of AI beyond software alone.

Hardware Hack Challenges

Explore the two Hardware Hack challenge areas below. Each challenge brief includes the full problem statement, sub-challenges, available hardware and AI tools, potential solution pathways, and guidance for demo night.

WADSIH Hardware Hack Timeline

Register by Saturday 23 August. The program opens with launch night on Tuesday 25 August, 4–8pm, where you’ll form a team and get started. Over the following three weeks your team builds its prototype, with three workshops at ICP along the way — a prototyping workshop on Friday 28 August (2–4pm), then testing workshops on Friday 4 September (2–4pm) and Friday 11 September (2–4pm). It wraps up at Demo Night on Tuesday 15 September, 4–8pm, where teams pitch to the judges for a share of a $4,000 prize pool, including a $1,000 grand prize. Registration is free and open to university students — you just need to commit to the full program across the three weeks.

Hardware Hack Event Location

This event will be held at Innovation Central Perth.

FAQ

Who can take part?
The Hardware Hack is open to university students only. You don’t need a team or any prior hardware experience — just enrolment and a willingness to commit to the full program. Teams form at the launch event, and the workshops and on-site mentors will get you up to speed whatever your background.

What does it cost?
Nothing — it’s free to take part. In return, you’re expected to commit to the full program: the launch event, all the workshops, and Demo Night.

What are the key dates?
Registration closes 23 Aug. Launch night is Tue 25 Demo Night is Tue 15 Sep (5–7pm).

What’s the time commitment?
Five scheduled sessions across three weeks — launch, one prototyping workshop, two testing workshops, and Demo Night — plus your team’s own build time in between.

What do I need to bring?
A laptop.

Are there prizes?
Yes — a $4,000 prize pool, including a $1,000 grand prize.

What happens at Demo Night?
Teams pitch their prototypes to a judging panel, winners are announced, and prizes are awarded.

How do I register?
Registrations close 23 Aug.

Contact Us

Please contact us via our email or our Innovation Lead, Tim Sondalini directly if you have any further questions related to the hackathon.