2026 Bright Electronics Manufacturing Challenge

Will You Join the 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.

* Round 1 begins July 1, 2026

Register Today!(Opens in a new tab/window)

How the Challenge Works

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
Embedded Programmer / Firmware Development Lead
Mechanical Builder / Integrator
Team Coordinator / Communications Lead

Project Rounds

The challenge is broken into three primary rounds, each with deliverables, checkpoints, and learning outcomes.

Rounds include:

Round 1: PCB Design
Round 2: Assembly (at SMTAI)
Round 3: The Final Challenge (at SMTAI)

Challenge Benefits

As a participant in the challenge, you will recieve:

One-Year Altium Designer License
Professional Design Training
Access to Official Altium Training Curriculum
Industry Mentorship and Live Review Checkpoints
Resume Value and Networking Exposure
Recognition and Awards

Rounds Explained

When: July 1 - 31, 2026
$1,000 cash prize!
This round is fully remote and open to any team who would like to participate.
Overview:
Students must carefully design a PCB that will serve as the brain of the robot challenge. The key focus is ensuring the layout is functional, efficient, manufacturable, and clean.
Additional Challenge: Each team can modify the Base design, adding a key 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 added feature.
Deliverables:
- Design Summary Document (1–2 pages)
- Schematic (Added Team Feature)
- PCB Layout Files
- Full Fabrication File
- Full Assembly Package
- Design Rule Check (DRC) Report
- PDF Outputs
* At the conclusion of Round 1, finalist teams will be announced for advancement to Rounds 2 & 3 taking place at SMTA International in October.

When: October 27, 2026
$500 cash prize!
Open to finalist teams
Overview:
At the SMTA International Event, the focus shifts to hands-on execution—how well the students assemble their PCBs, manage rework, and validate electrical functionality. Judging should emphasize soldering quality, workmanship, test readiness, and debugging capability. Each team will assemble their PCB and the overall Robot System. Write the required firmware.
All components, tools & equipment, and Fabricated PCB will be provided.
(Except the Teams added feature components)
Deliverables:
- Assembled PCB Design for judging
- Fully assembled and Operating Robot
- Assembly Process Documentation
- Functional Test Report
- Assembly Review Checklist

When: October 28, 2026
$2,000 cash prize!
Open to finalist teams
Overview:
The culminating event where student teams bring their completed robots to life in a real-world competition on a physical arena floor. This round 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.
The details of the Final Challenge will be provided at the challenge launch.
Deliverables:
- Completed Robot

Become a Sponsor of the Challenge

Join us in fueling hands-on innovation and inspiring the future of electronics manufacturing. For just $500, your company can help shape the next wave of talent — and get noticed doing it.

Become a Sponsor Today(Opens in a new tab/window)

Why Sponsor

Be seen by top engineering students, educators, and industry professionals. Show your support for STEM and innovation in action.
Your sponsorship helps fund an immersive, real-world learning experience where students design, build, and compete with purpose.
Demonstrate your company's commitment to skills development, technical excellence, and the future of electronics manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, each team is encouraged to add to the Baseline Robot Design called the Added Feature.
This will be judged as the best idea. Each team must procure the added components for their added feature. If you are selected to attend the Final Challenge, your PCB Design will be fabricated. You must keep specific design criteria, such as the Layer stack up and board size.

Take the Challenge(Opens in a new tab/window)

Registration Deadline: June 22, 2026

2026 Bright Electronics Manufacturing Challenge

Will You Join the Challenge?

How the Challenge Works

Teams

Project Rounds

Challenge Benefits

Rounds Explained

Round 1: PCB Design

When: July 1 - 31, 2026

Round 2: Assembly

When: October 27, 2026

Round 3: The Final Challenge

When: October 28, 2026

Become a Sponsor of the Challenge

Why Sponsor

Amplify Your Brand

Invest in the Industry's Future

Lead by Example

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements to join the challenge?

Do we need prior experience with PCB design or Altium Designer to participate?

Is there a cost to participate in the challenge?

What is the timeline of the challenge?

What kind of robot are we designing for?

Will we receive hardware or parts to help with prototyping?

Are we required to attend the SMTA International event in person?

How will our PCB design be evaluated?

Can teams reuse or modify the Baseline robot design?

What software and tools are we allowed to use?

Can multiple teams from the same university participate?

What kind of support or mentoring will be available?