AI-Enhanced Rapid-Prototyping Challenge
Zero entry fee, zero travel—just 14 days to prove your makerspace is the fastest in the United States.
Why Proto-Dash?
Budget-Friendly
No entry fee—teams cover materials (~$50-100).
Zero Travel
All work in your own lab—focus on building, not logistics.
AI-Enhanced
Use generative tools to ideate, code, and document faster.
Showcase Talent
Projects, docs, and videos published online for recruiters.
MVP in 14 Days
Iterate fast, gather real data, deliver working hardware.
By the Numbers
| Category | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Team Limit | 20 | |
| Weeks | 2 | |
| Materials/Team | $50-100 | |
| Prize | $1 000 |
How It Works
Parts List
Sep 1 – suggested component list drops.
Project Goal
Sep 8 – recycling-tech challenge revealed.
Build & Test
Sep 8–22 – design, prototype, measure performance.
Submit
Upload 3-min video, report, CAD & data by Sep 22.
Showcase & Awards
Livestream Sep 29 – bragging rights + $1 000.
Event Timeline*
- Now: Mailing List opens
- Sep 1: Parts List
- Sep 8: Project Goal
- Sep 8–22: Build & Test
- Sep 22: Submission Deadline
- Sep 29: Showcase & Awards
*Dates adjustable per university calendar.
Example Judging Rubric
| Category | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Meets objective & captures relevant data. | 25% |
| Quality & Robustness | Reliable construction & repeatability. | 20% |
| Affordability | Cost-effective BOM & common tools. | 15% |
| Manufacturability | Easy to reproduce in a typical makerspace. | 15% |
| Documentation | Clear report, professional video, complete CAD & data. | 15% |
| Innovation | Creative AI use & sustainability impact. | 10% |
FAQ
Can we use AI tools?
Yes — just disclose how they were used in your documentation.Team size?
6–8 students; no hard limit applied.Resources allowed?
Any makerspace equipment & external services—just credit them.Does the prototype need to be perfect?
No — an MVP with real data is the goal; document limitations.Who judges?
Engineers from sponsor companies review asynchronously.
Email contact@proto-dash.com for more questions.