Best Hardware Usage - ****projects demonstrating innovative and efficient use of hardware resources in blockchain applications You can’t change the real world without touching hardware! Show us how you make blockchain run faster, cheaper, or greener with smart hardware use.

Inspired by 2024 hackathon winner project Solu (solar-powered node), and our friends from Bordel hackerspace in Prague, we want to bring a more tangible angle to the hackathon, one that is grounded in the reality that while Ethereum’s software layers evolve, the physical hardware running nodes and infrastructure is critical to maintaining true decentralization, security, and scalability.

Hardware is often the overlooked bottleneck, the network depends on robust, accessible, and efficient devices to keep it running smoothly and resist centralization pressures.

We want to see more builders innovate and test with secure wallets, RISC-V open-source chips, IoT sensors, and other devices.

This bounty encourages builders to prototype practical, impactful hardware solutions. It’s about tackling real technical challenges, and experiment on use cases, not just flashy demos.

✅ Eligible

• Any project using tangible hardware (wallets, sensors, single-board computers, accelerators, etc.) integrated with blockchain protocols
• Live demos showing hardware enabling on-chain functionality (testnet transactions, oracle feeds, node operations, etc.)
• Performance improvements through hardware: reduced energy use, lower costs, enhanced security, or new capabilities
• Hackathon-feasible prototypes using off-the-shelf or sponsor-provided hardware

❌ Not Eligible

• Pure software projects (no physical hardware involved)
• Full hardware design/fabrication from scratch
• Projects without clear blockchain/Ethereum integration

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Important: No soldering stations or fabrication tools available/allowed onsite due for safety (If you intent to solder, please infom us upfront and we'll provide an alternative space)! Use ready-to-go hardware or sponsor-donated kits. Focus on creative integration + blockchain impact!

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