October 25 - 29, 2026
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Rosemont, Illinois, USA
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ROUND 1 LAUNCHING IN
365d
24h
60m
60s
What is the Bright Electronics Manufacturing Challenge?
The Bright Electronics Manufacturing Challenge is an immersive, hands-on experience where student teams will design, fabricate, and test a custom printed circuit board to serve as the control center for a robot — simulating a real-world engineering product development cycle.
Teams
The challenge is a multidisciplinary, team-based competition designed to simulate a real-world engineering product development cycle.
Teams will consist of 2-5 individuals with cross-disciplinary skills:
PCB
Designer
Mechanical Builder / Integrator
Embedded Programmer / Firmware Development Lead
Team Coordinator / Communications Lead
Project Rounds
The challenge is broken into three primary rounds, each with deliverables, checkpoints, and learning outcomes.
ROUND 1
PCB Design
$1,000 prize
July 1 - 31, 2026 | Remote
Students must carefully design a PCB to serve as the brain of the robot — prioritizing functionality, efficiency, manufacturability, and a clean layout. As a bonus challenge, teams may modify the base design to add a custom feature. This feature will be judged.
Note: Basic PCB shape and layer stack must be maintained. Each team must purchase any additional components for the custom feature.
DELIVERABLES
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Design summary document (1 - 2 pages)
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Schematic (added team feature)
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PCB layout files & full fabrication file
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Full assembly package
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Design Rule Check (DRC) report & PDF outputs
Finalist teams advancing onto Rounds 2 & 3 will be announced after Round 1 concludes
ROUND 2
Assembly
$500 prize
October 27, 2026 | SMTA International
Hands-on PCB assembly in a timed environment. During Round 2, the focus shifts to how well students assemble their PCBs, manage rework, and validate electrical functionality. Judging will emphasize soldering quality and workmanship. All components, tools, and equipment, and fabricated PCBs will be provided (except added custom feature components)
DELIVERABLES
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Assembled PCB for judging
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Assembly process documentation
ROUND 3
The Final Challenge
$2,000 prize
October 28, 2026 | SMTA International
The culminating event — teams bring their completed robots to life in a real-world competition on a physical arena floor. Round 3 evaluates the integration of electronics, firmware, mechanical design, and teamwork under pressure. It demonstrates how effectively teams turned their PCB design into a functional, mission-capable robot.
DELIVERABLES
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Completed, functional robot
More Than a Challenge
Each participant in the challenge gains access to exclusive benefits and industry recognition.
One-Year Altium Designer License
Professional Design Training
Access to Altium Training Curriculum
Industry Mentorship & Live Checkpoints
Resume Value & Networking Exposure
Recognition & Awards
Become a Sponsor
For just $500, your company can help shape the next wave of electronics talent — and get noticed doing it. Join us in fueling hands-on innovation and inspiring the future of electronics manufacturing.
Amplify Your Brand
Be seen by top students, educators, and industry professionals
Invest in the Future
Fund an immersive, real-world learning experience for emerging engineers
Lead by Example
Demonstrate your commitment to skills development and technical excellence
Frequently Asked Questions
