On February 7th, the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Universidad de Manizales hosted an intensive series of workshops on IoT, LoRaWAN, and decentralized networks, in collaboration with Seeed Studio. More than 30 students and 5 faculty members from the fields of semiconductors and telecommunications, along with university directors, actively participated in this event, which combined theory, practice, and collaborative prototyping.

Workshop 1: Exploring IoT, LoRaWAN, and DePIN with SenseCAP

The first workshop focused on a theoretical and practical introduction to LoRaWAN, IoT, and DePIN. Participants explored the SenseCAP ecosystem, learning about its connectivity with networks such as Helium and The Things Network. During an interactive session on Miro, they identified challenges within the university campus and proposed solutions using SenseCAP devices.

Among the identified issues, the uncontrolled entry of domestic animals into the campus nature reserve was highlighted, posing risks to wildlife conservation. Additionally, there were concerns about monitoring and preserving water sources, as well as ensuring student safety from encounters with wild animals. Other proposals included monitoring unauthorized parking space usage with sensors such as the SenseCAP S1101 and XIAO ESP32S3 Sense.

Workshop 2: IoT System Architecture and Deployment for the Nature Reserve

In the second session, participants defined system architectures and proceeded with the implementation of a technology-based solution for the nature reserve. The selected devices, SenseCAP S2110 Sensor Builder and SenseCAP S1101, were used for wildlife identification and monitoring, combined with an audible alert system to warn students about the presence of animals.

The workshop included assembling and configuring sensors using the SenseCraft application, setting up SenseCAP CC Portal, and initiating the training of an AI vision model for wildlife identification. Due to adverse weather conditions, the installation in the reserve was postponed, but it will be completed in the coming days, with updates to follow.

Workshop 3: Mission Pack and Mesh Networks for Emergencies

The third workshop, aimed at faculty and senior students in systems and telecommunications, focused on the Mission Pack, emphasizing its application in smart cities, communities, and institutions. A Meshtastic network was deployed using T1000-E Tracker cards, simulating scenarios with no cellular or WiFi connectivity to evaluate its effectiveness in emergencies.

Use cases from across the Americas were analyzed, including flooding in Los Angeles, where deploying SenseCAP M2 and WM1302 within the reComputer of the Mission Pack could optimize rescue operations and disaster mitigation through real-time environmental monitoring.

Impact and Future of the Project

These workshops have enabled students and faculty to explore emerging technologies and prototype solutions for real-world challenges. In the coming days, the final system deployment in the nature reserve will take place in collaboration with the university’s IoT research group. This system will not only benefit the university community but will also provide new opportunities for Data Science students, who can use the collected data for research projects.

Furthermore, a SenseCAP M2 Gateway has been deployed, connecting to the Helium decentralized network, expanding the campus’s connectivity capabilities.

This event marks a significant step forward in adopting IoT technologies in educational settings, demonstrating how open-source hardware and decentralized networks can drive real-world impact in communities.

Continuing his mission to democratize access to cutting-edge technology, Seeed Studio Ranger Gabriel Alejandro Giraldo Santiago has spearheaded key educational initiatives across Colombia, focusing on hands-on training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Vision and prototyping. Using tools like SenseCraft AI and XIAO ESP32S3 Sense hardware, students from various regions have gained practical skills to address future technological and societal challenges.

Technical Education in Curumaní, Cesar

On November 13th and November 25th, Gabriel facilitated virtual workshops for senior-year students at the San José Educational Institution in Curumaní, Cesar. During these sessions, students learned:

• How to use SenseCraft AI to deploy pre-trained AI Vision models.
• Methods to create customized models tailored to local challenges.
• Integrating datasets for project training and application.

These workshops reached a total of 34 students, offering them exposure to advanced technologies and inspiring their interest in AI as a practical problem-solving tool.

Recognizing Talent at Universidad Autónoma de Manizales

On November 21st, a technology fair was held at the Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, where students from various disciplines presented their year-end projects. Gabriel, representing Seeed Studio, allocated 5 certified awards to the top-performing teams, benefiting a total of 15 participants with an exclusive learning experience.

The winners joined a remote workshop on November 25th, where they were trained in:

• Prototyping with the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense.
• Advanced use of SenseCraft AI for creating and customizing AI Vision models.
• Project structuring on platforms like Hackster.io and delivering effective pitches.

Each participant received a learning kit on a loan basis to ensure their active engagement during the workshop.

Support and Tools for Future Development

The selected teams gained more than technical training—they also received:

• Licenses for tools like Notion to support project management.
• A 6-month mentorship program to refine their ideas and explore their potential in initiatives like CO-CREATE AI.

Fostering Innovation Through Education

Our Ranger Gabriel Alejandro Giraldo’s dedication to technological education continues to inspire student communities across Colombia, demonstrating how access to advanced tools can significantly impact practical skill development. Through these workshops, participants not only acquire technical expertise but also cultivate curiosity and enthusiasm for solving real-world problems with AI.

The future of technological innovation in Colombia lies in the hands of talented young individuals who, thanks to initiatives like these, are discovering their potential and paving the way for creative, sustainable solutions.

In a remarkable effort to democratize access to technology and foster local innovation, Seeed Studio Ranger Gabriel Alejandro Giraldo Santiago, in collaboration with the University of Manizales and supported by companies like Platzi, led an extraordinary program focused on training and developing technological solutions. This ambitious initiative culminated in an exciting Hackathon that brought together students, entrepreneurs, research leaders, and professionals passionate about technology.

A Journey of Learning and Innovation

The program kicked off with a series of workshops designed to introduce participants to the world of vision AI, prototyping with XIAO ESP32S3 Sense, and structuring innovative projects. Each workshop served as a stepping stone towards empowering the community with practical tools and applied knowledge.

Workshop Timeline

1. November 12: The first workshop with 23 Systems and Telecommunications Engineering students.
2. November 15: A nighttime session with 18 students from the same faculty.
3. November 21: An open workshop for the local maker community, with 22 participants, including Electronics and Biomedical students, AI research leaders, and local entrepreneurs.
4. November 22: An intensive night session for seven senior Systems Engineering students, complemented by five virtual attendees who joined due to weather conditions.

These sessions strengthened participants’ practical skills in technologies like SenseCraft AI and advanced libraries such as Roboflow, preparing them to tackle the challenges of the final Hackathon.

The Grand Final: Hackathon of Innovation

On November 25, the program culminated with a vibrant Hackathon at the University of Manizales. The event gathered participants from various disciplines across the city, who worked tirelessly in teams to solve real-world challenges using Vision AI and XIAO technology.

Hackathon Dynamics

• Intensive training in creating custom models with SenseCraft.
• Project structuring on Hackster.io and crafting effective pitches.
• 3-minute team presentations, followed by 2 minutes of Q&A from a panel of expert judges.

Awards and Recognition

Participants didn’t just walk away with new knowledge and experience—they were rewarded for their effort and creativity:

• Platzi virtual scholarships with personalized learning paths.
• Smartwatches for outstanding innovative solutions.
• Tech kits, including XIAO ESP32S3 Sense, XIAO ESP32C3, advanced ToF kits, and Nordic Semiconductor development kits.
• Toolkits and virtual licenses for platforms like Notion.
• 6 months of mentoring and incubation to turn ideas into sustainable business models.

Certificates, signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Néstor Jaime Castaño Pérez, and Ranger Gabriel Alejandro Giraldo, were a testament to the program’s impact on each participant.

Acknowledging Partners and Judges

This program was made possible by the unwavering support and commitment of the University of Manizales, especially Luis Carlos Correa Ortiz, who played a key role in its execution.

Special thanks to the expert judges and mentors who guided and evaluated the teams with dedication:

• Daniel Felipe Gómez Carmona: Specialist in gamification and educational innovation.
• Joan Esteban Torres González: Mechatronic Engineer with expertise in research projects.
• Carlos Eduardo López: Visual Arts Master with a focus on interactive innovation.
• Luz Paola Díaz Valencia: Digital marketing strategist and consultant for entrepreneurs.

Each of them received special recognition for their invaluable contributions to the Hackathon.

A Transformative Program

In total, over 96 individuals actively participated in this initiative, proving that with access to technology and knowledge, innovation can thrive in local contexts. This program marked a milestone, opening doors to new opportunities for developing solutions that turn challenges into positive impact.

With gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead, we thank all the participants, partners, and judges. This is just the beginning of a maker community ready to change the world!

Design students and faculty from the Catholic University of Luis Amigó in Manizales, Colombia, participated in an innovative workshop that brings together creativity and artificial intelligence (AI) through the use of the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense device from Seeed Studio. The workshop, led by Gabriel Alejandro Giraldo, Seeed Studio Ranger, showcased how this open-source hardware tool enables design professionals to experiment with AI and rapid prototyping, transforming ideas into interactive solutions.

The XIAO ESP32S3 Sense—a compact yet competent device—was the focal point of this event. Participants explored how to deploy both predefined and custom vision AI models using the SenseCraft AI platform, allowing them to work with visual recognition technology in an accessible and effective way. This combination of hardware and software empowers designers to transform concepts into interactive visual experiences and quickly develop prototypes of real products.

During the workshop, the SenseCAP Watcher, Seeed Studio’s innovative physical AI assistant, was introduced. Configured to greet and thank each attendee upon identification, the SenseCAP Watcher sent real-time notifications to organizers via the SenseCraft app. This demonstration showed participants how AI can be integrated into design projects to create interactive, engaging, and personalized user experiences.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of adopting AI in design, emphasizing that this technology does not replace human creativity but enhances it by automating repetitive tasks and facilitating real-time experimentation with visual ideas. Vision AI and rapid prototyping with AI offer designers opportunities to develop intelligent products that respond to their surroundings and improve user experiences.

This event marks a milestone in design education, demonstrating how advanced, accessible, open-source technology like the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense can enrich students’ learning and open new frontiers for creativity in design on a global scale.