The SmartThings Developer & Maker Contest Series

This is happening….

It’s time for our the physical things in our lives to come online, become programmable, and to start making our lives easier, safer and more fun. We know we cannot create the physical graph alone – we need everyone to help make it a reality.

We believe that an open ecosystem of software developers working hand in hand with hardware manufacturers and makers – across platforms, protocols and technologies – is the path to a true revolution in our daily lives. And we’re putting our money where our mouth is…

We’re hosting the first SmartThings Developer & Maker Contest to stimulate and reward the most innovative, exciting and useful projects that drive the next evolution in bringing the physical graph online.

Why should I participate?

Because you want your physical world to become programmable. Because you want to hack your physical graph. Because you’ve got an idea that is so far beyond simple remote control of lighting and HVAC that the earth will slip a degree off its axis and the magnetic field will reverse polarity when you release it. (Disclaimer: Physical Graph Corporation is not responsible for social collapse upon magnetic field polarity reversal).

Whether you’re a developer or a maker, a hardware manufacturer or a distribution channel, bring your innovation to the SmartThings Developer & Maker Contest. The contest winners will receive:

• Cash – $100,000 overall, with $5,000 for each theme winner (explained below) and $25,000 each for the top SmartApp and top new connected Thing
• Exposure to the top Seed investors in the world
• Accolades, visibility and press

As the overall contest winner, you’ll also receive:

• Manufacturing readiness consulting
• Industrial design consulting
• Direct introductions to distribution and sales channels
• A fully funded week (including travel) in the SmartThings lab with our hardware and software engineers to bring your invention to life on the SmartThings platform
• A trip to present at an Internet of Things themed conference
• Promotion to SmartThings customer base

 

Who is judging?

We’ve got an amazing judging panel lined up that includes:

• Matt Williams, EIR at Andreesen Horowitz
• Loic Le Meur, Le Web Creator
• Alex Hawkinson, CEO of SmartThings
• David Tisch
• Someone from First Round Capital
• Someone from SV Angel
• Someone from Lerer Ventures
• More to be announced…

I’m in.  Gimme the details….

We’re ready to push the edges of SmartThings and the physical graph.  In order to encourage innovation, for this first contest we’re going to let participants submit their idea under 1 of 5 themes, and we’re going to let you help us choose those themes (keep reading for how).  There will be 2 winners per theme:

• The best software-based solution built as a SmartThings SmartApp.
• The best hardware-based innovation connected to the SmartThings platform.

Then the winners of each theme will compete for the top prize.

Getting started is easy.  Just 3 steps.

Step 1:   Register to be a part of the community of designers, makers and developers over on Build.SmartThings.com, and be sure to join the ‘Developer and Maker Contest’ group.  We’ll keep you posted on Contest timing, how to register your project, the fine print, and help you connect with others to build a great team.

Step 2:   If you are building a hardware solution, you can pre-order your Maker Kit for the contest.  Each Kit will consist of a SmartThings Hub, 2 Arduino Shields with SmartThings ThingModules, and complete access to the SmartThings Web IDE. You’ll have everything you need to integrate SmartThings technology into your device.

Step 3:   Want to help us choose the themes?  Please let us know the theme about which you’re most passionate.  The top 5 will be part of the contest.

• Build is for you.

  

  Build.SmartThings.com is a site for you. What do you want it to become? Are you a maker intent upon adding smarts to all the things in your life? Coffeemakers, Pet feeders, alarm clocks, only your imagination limits you. Are you a developer who wants to turn your software skills on to new challenges? Do you→

• ANNOUNCING

  

  The SmartThings Developer & Maker Contest Series This is happening…. It’s time for our the physical things in our lives to come online, become programmable, and to start making our lives easier, safer and more fun. We know we cannot create the physical graph alone – we need everyone to help make it a reality.→

• Projects!

  

  We’re thrilled to announce the launch of SmartThings Projects. With SmartThings Projects, you have the tools to coordinate, manage, collaborate and get help on your very own SmartThings hacked hardware or device, a never before seen SmartApp, or any other creative life and device hacks you can think up. We know you’ll hop right into→