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 Compliance Question

Castille Latour's profile image
Castille Latour posted Tue July 22, 2025 04:02 AM

Hello IBM Community!

I'm participating in the IBM TechXchange 2025 Hackathon and I’d appreciate your guidance on a compliance question related to hardware preparation.

For my project, I supervised the creation of a custom PCB designed specifically for this hackathon. I worked with a professional engineer who executed the design based on my specifications, and I paid for the service to ensure full ownership of the work. The board is being assembled and soldered by JLCPCB before August 1st (but I will receive the PCB on the 1 or 2nd of August), purely for logistical reasons (manufacturing and delivery times would have made it impossible to begin development on time).

Important details:

  • The PCB was created exclusively for this hackathon, and I directed the technical concept and sensor layout.

  • No testing, activation, coding, or integration will occur before August 1.

  • The board remains a passive component until development begins during the official hackathon period.

I understand the rule that “building any part of your proof-of-concept ahead of the hack is not allowed”, and I want to confirm whether this preparation method is considered compliant.

Thanks in advance for your insights 🙏

Leanne Harris's profile image
Leanne Harris posted Sun August 10, 2025 02:25 PM

Hi! Based on your description, your approach should be compliant. As long as the PCB is only manufactured and delivered before the hackathon, without any testing, coding, or activation prior to August 1. it aligns with the rule prohibiting early development. Passive preparation (like fabrication) is typically allowed, especially when it's necessary for logistics.

You’ve clearly directed the design for this specific hackathon and are not beginning any functional work ahead of time. Still, for full clarity, I’d recommend confirming with the hackathon organizers directly.

Good luck at TechXchange 2025!

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