The Adaptive Computing Challenge 2021 was a completed Hackster.io developer contest sponsored by Xilinx (now part of AMD). It invited developers to build practical applications with adaptive-computing hardware and software. Its three main tracks were Edge Computing, Data Center AI and Big Data Analytics, with additional Xilinx University Program (XUP) and Women in Technology awards. Submissions closed March 31, 2022, so the contest is no longer open.
What was the Adaptive Computing Challenge?
Hackster.io hosted the challenge with Xilinx sponsorship. Its invitation was to “Combine the power of Xilinx adaptive computing platforms with Vivado® ML, Vitis™ unified software platform, and Vitis AI development environment to solve real-world problems!” (Hackster.io contest overview.) Entrants had to submit original, documented projects using eligible hardware and the relevant Vitis, Vitis AI or Vivado tools.
The official rules set the contest period from September 7, 2021, through the March 31, 2022 submission deadline, with winners scheduled to be announced April 18, 2022. Hackster now marks the contest as over. (Official rules; contest page.)
What were the three technical tracks?
Each main track paired a target workload with a primary accelerator platform and development stack. The official rules also allowed specific alternative boards in the Edge Computing and Data Center AI tracks.
| Track | Target work | Primary hardware and tools | Other eligible hardware |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edge Computing | On-device vision and other edge applications, such as smart cameras, defect detection, license-plate recognition and facial recognition. | Kria KV260 Vision AI Starter Kit; Vitis and/or Vitis AI. | Ultra96, ZCU104 and ZCU102, according to the rules. |
| Data Center AI | Inference workloads including image classification, object detection, segmentation, video analytics, speech recognition, time-series analysis and natural-language processing. | VCK5000 development card and Vitis AI. | U50, U200, U250 and U280, according to the rules. |
| Big Data Analytics | Blockchain acceleration, including proof-of-work and permissioned-blockchain transaction validation. | Varium C1100 accelerator. | Not stated on the contest overview. |
Track descriptions and primary platforms are from the Hackster contest overview; alternative eligible boards are from the official rules.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How were projects judged?
The rules assigned points across four distinct criteria. Execution and quality carried the largest individual weight, while business viability measured a different aspect of a project rather than its implementation quality.
| Judging criterion | Points | What it assessed |
|---|---|---|
| Idea innovativeness | 10 | Originality of the project idea. |
| Project presentation | 20 | How clearly the project was presented and documented. |
| Execution and quality | 40 | How well the project was built and performed. |
| Business viability | 30 | Potential for practical or commercial use. |
These weights come from the official contest rules. They total 100 points.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How large was the contest?
In a 2022 announcement, AMD/Xilinx and Hackster reported more than 2,000 registrations, 634 hardware applications, 165 qualified entries, participants from 35 countries, and 14 award winners. The announcement described a $70,000 total prize pool, including $10,000 top awards in each of the three principal tracks and $2,500 prizes for the XUP and Women in Technology categories. These are organizer- and sponsor-reported figures, not independently audited counts. (AMD/Xilinx and Hackster announcement via Avnet.)
What project won the XUP award?
Hackster lists “All-in-one Self-adaptive Computing Platform for Smart City” as the XUP winner. The project uses a KV260 smart-camera framework for intelligent transportation: semantic segmentation and road-line detection identify scenarios, and the system dynamically switches AI models. Its public project repository describes Vitis-AI 1.4.1, Vivado 2021.1, PetaLinux 2021.1 and VVAS 1.0 among its requirements. It also lists a monitor and HDMI cable as setup components and an HD camera as optional.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The project authors report experimental energy reductions of up to 53.8% and 61.6% in car and pedestrian scenarios on ZCU104, along with frame-rate increases in example scenarios. Those are results reported by the authors in their repository; they are not independently validated here. The repository’s ZCU104 results should not be mistaken for a claim that every KV260 build achieves the same figures.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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