Tuya AI Innovators Hackathon 2025
Build AI Hardware, As Easy As Stacking Blocks
For AI, for Innovation, For the Future.
Sign Up Now!:https://pages.tuya.com/develop/a83a0c8d834745ad801d
Scan the QR code to join our Discord community, or click the link below to register and connect with developers from around the world in real-time!
- Discord link: https://discord.com/invite/yPPShSTttG
1.Event Overview
About Tuya Developer Platform
TuyaOpen (https://tuyaopen.ai/) It is an open and co-creative development framework designed for the AI+IoT (Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things) industry. Built on TuyaOS, a mature commercial-grade IoT operating system, the platform features cross-platform compatibility, modularity, and robust security compliance. Verified through the deployment of over 100 million devices and adoption by millions of developers worldwide, Tuya provides an integrated innovation environment covering hardware, software, and cloud services.
About the Hackathon
The hackathon is hosted by Tuya Smart, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Kiro as the official cloud partner. Scheduled for January 2026 (during CES), the event—titled “Tuya AI Innovators Hackathon 2025: Build AI Hardware, As Easy As Stacking Blocks”—aims to empower global developers to leverage the Tuya Open Platform to drive innovation at the intersection of AI and IoT. Participants will prototype the next generation of AI-powered smart hardware and solutions, showcasing the innovation and influence of the Tuya Open Global AI+IoT Ecosystem Center.
Tuya Smart welcomes developers, makers, and university teams from around the world to join this global innovation event. With AI coding powered by KIRO, participants can enjoy a low-code and fast-start development experience.
2. Event Date
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Period | Nov 20 – Dec 20, 2025 |
| First Submission Deadline | Dec 20, 2025 |
| First-Round Evaluation | Mid-Dec 2025 |
| Improvement Period | Mid-Dec 2025 – Early Jan 2026 |
| Demo Day (CES, Las Vegas) | Jan 4, 2026 |
| Final Submission Deadline | Feb 20, 2026 |
| Winners Announcement | Early Mar 2026 |
3. Event Overview
Competition Tracks All entries must be developed based on the TuyaOpen Platform AI Open-Source Package. Participants can choose one of three tracks to build their AI hardware demo.
| Track Name | Description |
|---|---|
| AI Agent Application | Focus on multimodal intelligent agents, voice/image recognition, AI assistants, and other innovative projects (no hardware experience required). |
| Hardware Development | Build creative hardware using Tuya development boards — including but not limited to desktop robots, AI chatbots, AI toys, AI wearables, and AI + smart home devices. |
| Industry Solutions | Focus on AI + IoT applications across various industries — including but not limited to energy management, healthcare, education, and industrial innovation scenarios. |
Learning Resources：
| Learning Resources | Link |
|---|---|
| GitHub Resource Site | https://github.com/tuya/TuyaOpen |
| Module Specification Documents | https://developer.tuya.com/en/docs/iot/T5-E1-Module-Datasheet?id=Kdar6hf0kzmfi |
| TuyaOpen & TuyaOS Documentation Collection | https://tuyaopen.ai/zh/blog |
| AI Agent Development | https://developer.tuya.com/cn/docs/iot/ai-agent-management?id=Kdxr4v7uv4fud |
-
Video Resources：Latest Developer Demos & Tutorials Collection Follow Tuya’s official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tuya2023/videos (For more resources, see Appendix 1)
-
Live Streaming：Regular developer bootcamp live sessions will be held during the event. Follow the competition Discord group for updates.
- Discord link: https://discord.com/invite/yPPShSTttG
Competition Requirements
● Team Size: 1–3 members, international teams allowed.
● Language Requirement: All submissions and presentations must be in English.
● Technical Requirements: AI hardware development must be based on the Tuya development platform.
1️⃣ TuyaOpen: TuyaOpen is an open-source platform based on the industry-leading TuyaOS architecture, verified by 1.417 million developers worldwide.
2️⃣ TuyaOS: Tuya Wind IDE provides a one-stop integrated development environment for developers using TuyaOS EasyGo. Participants can choose the platform based on project needs.
For projects requiring AI capability integration or commercialization scenarios, TuyaOS is recommended.
For other scenarios or needs, the more open ecosystem of TuyaOpen is suggested.
● Hardware Requirements:
1️⃣ Development Board: T5 series is recommended; other TuyaOpen-supported ecosystems are available. See https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/about-tuyaopen for details.
2️⃣ DIY Development Board: Must use T5 modules.
Preliminary Submission
- Complete Project Introduction PDF (Required)
Example: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IOT_VpJG1q701favo4UujjE5cZ6Cyp7q/view - DEMO Video: Demonstrate the basic functionality of the development board and complete the AI Chatbox flashing experience. (For more resources, see Appendix 1) (Priority pickup)
- GitHub Link: Upload the part of code relevant to TuyaOpen to GitHub (if available): https://github.com/tuya/TuyaOpen
- Hardware List and Architecture Diagram (if available)
Submission Method: Send the above four documents as a compressed package to
yuwei.xu@tuya.com, cc to weila.qiu@tuya.com
Email Naming Format: "Team Name + Project Name + Competition Track"
Extra Benefits
💗 Authors who pass the preliminary review will receive an invitation letter to Demo Day (CES On-site Exchange Day).
Mysterious guests from Tuya and TuyaOpen creators will deliver keynote speeches, themed talks, roundtable discussions, and AI development experience sharing, exploring the trends of AI hardware commercialization. Together, they will discuss how to create outstanding AI hardware within Tuya’s global ecosystem and share their perspectives on developers’ opportunities and growth in this ecosystem.
Tuya will also assist high-quality projects in connecting with the capital market, helping more commercially valuable AI products gain visibility.
On the technical side, participants will explore how to use Vibe Coding tools to help zero-foundation developers rapidly and efficiently build complete AI hardware. The discussions will also focus on how AI tools’ evolution and advancements are reshaping the future of AI product development and commercialization.
The event is invitation-only. If you are an AI geek, AI product enthusiast, smart hardware developer, or AI startup founder, you are welcome to apply for the Hackathon and easily get your Demo Day invitation.
Demo Theme: AI-Powered Copilot for Your Hardware Journey
Participants attending Demo Day will have the chance to receive exclusive Tuya developer merchandise and a complete Tuya development kit (limited availability).
Final Submission Content
● Project Code (GitHub)
● Technical Documentation (README.md must include the following sections):
○ Project Name & Team Introduction
○ Complete Project Description (Problems addressed, target users, design)
○ Design Principles (System architecture diagram and hardware connection diagram — very important!)
○ Hardware List (Exact models, e.g., Tuya T5 Dev Board, Raspberry Pi 4, OV5647 Camera, etc.)
○ Demo Video Link (placed in the most prominent location)
● Demo Video (1–3 minutes)
○ Share the project development process on YouTube with hashtags: #TuyaOpen #TuyaAI #HackWithTuya #TuyaHackathon #TuyaDevelopers #TuyaGlobal
Requirements
● All submissions must comply with relevant national laws and regulations, and content should be positive and healthy.
● Tuya’s senior IoT engineers will fairly and impartially review all submissions.
Access to Competition Resources
a. Purchase Your Own Development Board
Participants can purchase the T5 AI Development Board Kit via the following links:
● https://tuyaopen.ai/get-hardware （introduction）
● AliExpress
b. Free Development Board (Limited Offer)
A limited number of T5 AI Development Boards will be provided to selected developers based on creativity and project feasibility. Approved applicants will receive the boards after review.
Resource Application Requirements:
- Hardware Development Experience — Please submit your previous projects via GitHub or provide related project videos (priority given to applicants with proven experience).
- Clear Project Proposal — Applicants should provide a detailed project plan, including AI-related concepts and development capabilities.
c. Access to Tuya Cloud Services
Participants can freely use Tuya’s AI capabilities, including speech synthesis, voice cloning, speech recognition, and other AI-powered cloud services.
4. Awards (Total Value Over $4,000)
🏆 Grand Prize (1 Winner) – Includes:
● $2,000 Amazon Gift Card
● Opportunity for official media interviews and coverage by Tuya
● Tuya Technical Team 1-on-1 Incubation Support & Commercialization Venture Capital Resource Matching
⚙️ Best AI Hardware Design Award (1 Winner) – Includes:
● $1,000 Amazon Gift Card
● Tuya Technical Team 1-on-1 Incubation Support & Commercialization Venture Capital Resource Matching
💡 Best Use of TuyaOpen (1 Winner) – Includes:
● $500 Amazon Gift Card
● Exclusive media interviews and coverage opportunities with Tuya's official media channels.
🧠 Best AI Coding Excellence (1 Winner) – Includes:
● $200 Amazon Gift Card
🌍 Community Favorite Award (5 Winners) – Includes:
● $100 Amazon Gift Card
Additional Incentives
We encourage developers to use the Vibe Coding tool together with TuyaOpen to build AI hardware and improve development efficiency. Developers who adopt Vibe Coding will be eligible for additional rewards.
- For developers in Mainland China:
Eligible participants can receive additional rewards through the Kiro “Million Bonus Pool Program” (available only to developers based in Mainland China).
- For overseas developers (outside Mainland China):
The personal edition of the Vibe Coding tool will be covered by Tuya.
Among overseas participants who use Vibe Coding, we will select a Best Use Case Award, and offer a tool purchase subsidy (up to USD 300 per ID).
Ecosystem Support for Winning Teams
● One-on-One Guidance from Tuya Technical Mentors to help advance commercialization.
● Become a Core Officially Certified Developer in the Tuya Developer Ecosystem, with priority access to the latest platform features, free modules and development boards for co-creating demos, and technical support.
● Overseas Product & Business Support: Winning projects will be showcased at international exhibitions, with Tuya providing full-channel support for overseas expansion.
● Join the Tuya Developer Accelerator Program to receive follow-up incubation support.
Appendix 1: Resources
Demo Videos
- TuyaOpen Framework Intro
- AI Smart Light Strip
- T5 AI Development Board
- AI Smart Power Socket
- AI Multi-Pet Recognition
- AI Smart Home
- Smart Digital Photo Frames
Developer Docs List
- About TuyaOpen
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/about-tuyaopen - Roadmap & Releases
Roadmap & Releases | TuyaOpen - Directory Structure
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/project-walkthrough - Get Started
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/quick-start - Hardware Guides
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/hardware-specific - Application
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/applications - Examples-Generic Demos
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/examples/demo-generic-examples - Peripheral
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/peripheral/support_peripheral_list - New Project-Porting platform
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/new-hardware/porting-platform - Cloud Services-Create Product
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/cloud/tuya-cloud/creating-new-product - TKL APIs-OS APIs-tkl_mutex | Mutex Lock
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/tkl-api/tkl_mutex - Tos Tools
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/tos-tools/tos-guide - Build System
https://tuyaopen.ai/docs/build-system/compilation-guide
Q&A
- FAQs
FAQs | TuyaOpen - Contribution
Contribution Guide | TuyaOpen
Projects
Appendix 2: Key Links
-
Project Intro PDF Example:
Google Drive -
Buy T5 AI Board:
AliExpress
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