Build18: CMU's freestyle hardware hackathon.

Build Week: First week of spring semester, January 2027
Teams: 2 to 5 people, at least one ECE major
Parts: $250 per team, $300 through preferred vendors

Who we are

A student-run engineering festival in CMU's ECE department, started because the curriculum leaves too little room to tinker.

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Questions

What are tracks?

Track 1 gives your team $250 for parts, or $300 through preferred vendors. Track 2 has a bigger budget for more ambitious builds; you meet with the officers to justify it. Innov18 adds onto either track: build a product with a real-world use and pitch it.

What are preferred vendors?

Vendors that have delivered on time for us before: Adafruit, SparkFun, Mouser, Pololu, DigiKey, McMaster-Carr and Amazon, plus reimbursements and TechSpark direct charges.

How big can a team be?

2 to 5 people.

Do I have to be an ECE major?

No. Mixed teams are encouraged, but at least one member must be an ECE major.

How many teams can take part?

As many as our funding allows. Recent years have had around 100 teams.

Are there project restrictions?

Nothing illegal or harmful. Projects with dangerous chemicals, high-powered lasers and the like may get extra safety rules from the officers. There is no required theme.

How does Build Week work?

It runs the first week of the spring semester. We provide dinner and office hours, sometimes with sponsors. Details go on the calendar.

What if I can't make Demo Day?

Tell the officers as soon as you can. No-shows are usually barred from future Build18s, but we will work with you if something comes up.

Where can I find ideas?

Browse past projects in the Garage.