Fifteen challengers will use the Raspberry Pi to cook, bake, or brew something which expands creativity in the kitchen

Raspberry Pi, in collaboration with element14.com, the world’s largest electronic design community, has launched a new Design Challenge for designers and engineers called ‘Pi Chef.’ This partnership will be element14’s biggest Design Challenge of the year. Fifteen sponsored challengers will use their creativity and the Raspberry Pi as their main ingredient to improve the culinary process. Projects should show how the Raspberry Pi can be used to advance the world of food, whether it is through kitchen safety, food sustainability, or the creation of new preparation methods. Potential entries could include an intelligent kitchen scale, a commercial-grade ripening container, or even a Fridge2Sofa IoT Beer delivery system.
Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community and Social Media, element14 said: “We have asked our community members to create a variety of projects with the Raspberry Pi, from IoT devices for the home to science-fiction inspired gadgets. For this competition we are focussing on food. Food has always been an important cultural touchstone but the increased availability of ingredients and new technology have elevated food and cooking into a sophisticated affair. Countless start-ups have appeared offering solutions for improving safety and enhancing the cooking experience. From Michelin-starred chefs to at-home gourmets, everyone is always on the lookout for a new device that will expand the possibilities of their kitchen.”

Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi Trading said:“The Raspberry Pi has proved itself in many areas since it was first launched, over 5 years ago – we have even seen a Raspberry Pi in space. We are looking forward to introducing a new audience to the Raspberry Pi as challengers from the element14 community show how technology, built upon the Raspberry Pi, can enhance chefs’ experience in the kitchen.”

element14 will accept applications for the ‘Pi Chef’ Design Challenge until 1st December 2017. Fifteen official challengers will be announced on 15th December and will receive a complimentary kit containing the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, 8MP Raspberry Pi Camera, Raspberry Pi Sense HAT, NXP Explore NFC Expansion board, 2.4” Touch Screen HAT, and Piface Digital 2. Each of the 15 challengers will provide weekly updates on their progress through blog posts, photos, and videos via the element14 Community.

Challengers will have until 2nd March 2018 to submit their projects. Entries will be judged on originality, innovation, and technical merit by a panel of judges including experts from Raspberry Pi and element14. The winners will be announced in March 2018.

The grand prize winner will receive a Brevill Barista Espresso Machine and an element14 cart equivalent to $1,500 USD. The runner-up prize is a Whynter Ice-Cream Maker and an element14 cart equivalent to $750 USD. The third-place prize is a Breville Tea Maker and an element14 cart equivalent to $500 USD. All challengers who complete their projects, use the Raspberry Pi, post 10+ updates in the Pi Chef space, and adhere to the requirements in the Terms and Conditions will receive a Tenma prize pack.

To learn more about the ‘Pi Chef’ Design challenge and to submit an entry, visit www.element14.com/PiChef or follow #pichef on Twitter.