Episode II

THE DROIDSSTRIKE BACK

AI & ROBOTICS HACKATHON

From bits to atoms. Build AI-powered robots that interact with the physical world. Two days of hardware hacking and innovation.

Hardware kits provided • Expert mentorship

$10,000+ in Prizes

SAN FRANCISCO, CA
NOVEMBER 1-2, 2025

Hosted by

Afore Capital

In partnership with

AI Valley

About the Challenge

Robotics ChallengeEpisode II

Episode II brings AI from the digital realm to the physical world. Build autonomous robots that sense, think, and act. Hardware kits provided for all participants.

Autonomous Robots

Build robots that navigate, manipulate objects, and make decisions using AI.

Computer Vision

Implement perception systems using cameras and sensors to understand the environment.

Real-Time Control

Develop systems that control actuators and react to dynamic environments in real-time.

Hardware Provided

Arduino, Raspberry Pi, sensors, actuators, and all necessary components will be provided. Focus on building, not sourcing parts.

Mission Timeline

Day 1 - November 1

Registration & Hardware Kit Distribution09:00
Opening Ceremony10:00
Hardware Workshop: Sensors & Actuators10:30
Lunch Break12:00
Hacking Begins13:00
Computer Vision Workshop15:00
Dinner & Team Formation18:00
Day 1 Wrap-up21:00

Day 2 - November 2

Breakfast & Hacking Continues09:00
Robotics Control Systems Workshop11:00
Lunch Break12:30
Mentor Check-ins14:00
Project Submission Deadline16:00
Robot Demonstrations Begin17:00
Awards Ceremony19:00
Networking & Robot Showcase20:00

Robotics Prizes

$10,000+ Prize Pool - Hardware & Innovation Awards

Afore Capital Pre-Seed Program

Beyond cash prizes, exceptional robotics teams may be considered for

$500K – $2M+ in Funding

Transform your robotics innovation into a funded startup with backing from Silicon Valley's premier early-stage fund.

1st Place

$5,000

Plus premium robotics kit & mentorship

2nd Place

$3,000

Plus hardware credits & workspace access

3rd Place

$2,000

Plus cloud credits & AI platform access

Judges & Mentors

Expert judges from robotics, AI, and venture capital will evaluate your creations

Judges Coming Soon

We're assembling an elite panel of robotics engineers, AI researchers, hardware experts, and venture capitalists to evaluate your innovations.

Robotics Experts

Leaders in autonomous systems and hardware

AI Researchers

Pioneers in computer vision and control systems

VCs & Founders

Investors focused on robotics startups

Check back soon for the full lineup announcement

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the robotics hackathon

Still have questions?

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