JLC Technology Group to Host the 4th Spark Conference, Celebrating Open-Source Hardware Innovation

The global hardware innovation community will come together on September 19, 2026, for the 4th JLC Open Source Hardware Spark Conference & Global AI Hardware Innovation Ecosystem Summit, hosted by JLC Technology Group at the Futian Convention & Exhibition Center in Shenzhen, China.

Under the theme “AI in Hardware · Hardware for Tomorrow,” the event will bring together engineers, makers, developers, startups, educators, and hardware enthusiasts to celebrate outstanding open-source hardware projects, explore emerging AI hardware technologies, and exchange ideas shaping the future of hardware innovation.

A key highlight of the 4th Spark Conference will be the recognition and awards ceremony for outstanding projects from the 2025 EasyEDA Spark Program, giving creators the opportunity to showcase what they have built and share their development journeys with the wider hardware community.

Separately, the EasyEDA Spark Program 2026 is now open to creators worldwide, inviting a new generation of hardware innovators to develop and submit their own projects for the next Spark cycle.

Event Details

Event: 4th JLC Open Source Hardware Spark Conference & Global AI Hardware Innovation Ecosystem Summit
Theme: AI in Hardware · Hardware for Tomorrow
Date: September 19, 2026
Venue: Futian Convention & Exhibition Center, Hall 6, Shenzhen, China
Global Livestream:JLCPCB YouTube Channel

Celebrating the Projects That Sparked Innovation

The Spark Conference is more than an industry event—it is a stage for hardware creators to share what they have built and inspire the next generation of innovators.

At the 4th Spark Conference, outstanding projects from the 2025 EasyEDA Spark Program will be showcased and recognized, bringing together the creators and ideas that stood out during the previous Spark Program cycle.

From AI-powered devices and robotics to open-source electronics and innovative hardware applications, these projects demonstrate how ideas can move from digital designs to functional prototypes and real-world products.

By presenting these projects on stage, the conference gives the global hardware community an opportunity to see how creators approach real engineering challenges, discover new technologies, exchange practical insights, and connect with fellow innovators.

The Next Spark Starts Now: EasyEDA Spark Program 2026

While the 4th Spark Conference celebrates the achievements of the 2025 EasyEDA Spark Program, the next generation of hardware projects is already taking shape.

The EasyEDA Spark Program 2026 is now open to hardware creators worldwide, inviting projects in areas including AI hardware, open-source hardware, robotics, smart devices, and other innovative hardware applications.

Eligible projects can receive up to 80% sponsorship toward eligible fabrication and global shipping costs, helping creators reduce the cost of turning their designs into physical products. Supported manufacturing and development needs include:

• PCB fabrication and PCBA
• 3D printing
• CNC machining
• Industrial automation components
• Completed projects may also receive a $100 JLC coupon and compete for a share of the program’s $85,000 prize pool.
• Applications for the EasyEDA Spark Program 2026 remain open until March 2027.
• Join the EasyEDA Spark Program 2026:https://oshwlab.com/activities/easyeda-spark-2026

Build Today. Take the Stage in 2027.

The EasyEDA Spark Program is designed to create a continuous journey for hardware innovators—from developing an idea to building a working project and ultimately sharing that work with the wider community.

The 4th Spark Conference in 2026 celebrates outstanding projects from the 2025 EasyEDA Spark Program. Meanwhile, the EasyEDA Spark Program 2026 gives a new group of creators the opportunity to develop, complete, and submit their own hardware innovations.

Outstanding projects from the 2026 program will be evaluated and selected for recognition at the 5th JLC Open Source Hardware Spark Conference in 2027, giving selected creators the opportunity to take the stage and showcase their work.

For creators, the journey is simple:

Join the EasyEDA Spark Program → Build your project → Submit your work → Take the stage at the 5th Spark Conference in 2027

The stage is set. The next Spark could be yours.

An Ecosystem Built to Help Ideas Become Hardware

Behind the Spark Program is an integrated hardware innovation ecosystem designed to support creators throughout the development process.

JLC Technology Group brings together:

• EasyEDA – Cloud-based EDA tools for electronics design and development
• JLCPCB – PCB fabrication, PCBA, and electronics manufacturing
• JLC3DP – 3D printing for rapid prototypes and production parts
• JLCCNC – CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication
• JLCMC – Industrial automation components
• OSHWLab – A community platform for sharing and discovering open-source hardware projects
• Together, these capabilities help creators move from idea and design to prototyping, manufacturing, and community exposure, making it easier to turn innovative concepts into physical products.

Join the Spark Community

On September 19, 2026, the 4th Spark Conference will celebrate the creators and projects that stood out in the previous Spark Program cycle and showcase the energy of a growing global hardware innovation community.

For those watching from around the world, the event is also an opportunity to see what other creators have achieved—and an invitation to begin building the next generation of hardware projects.

Watch global livestream of the 4th Spark Conference: https://youtube.com/live/QtbsWUkdAMg?feature=share.

Get inspired by the projects on stage. Then build your own and join the EasyEDA Spark Program 2026： https://oshwlab.com/activities/easyeda-spark-2026.