Overglade Badges: Low‑Power NFC‑Enabled E‑Ink Hackathon Badges Now Open‑Source

What Is the Overglade Badges Project?

Born from the original news article covering the Singapore‑based Overglade hackathon, the Overglade Badges are tiny, battery‑free devices that combine passive NFC, an e‑ink display, and the powerful RP2040 SoC. They let participants tap a badge against a phone or reader to instantly share a custom profile, a QR code, or any bitmap image—without ever needing a battery.

Because the hardware is fully open source, anyone can download the schematics, modify the firmware, or even fabricate their own batch for less than five dollars per unit. This democratizes access to smart wearables and opens a new frontier for low‑power IoT accessories.

Key Features & Technical Specifications

Technical Specification Table

Development Background & Hackathon Origin

The Overglade Badges were conceived during the Overglade Hackathon in Singapore, a HackClub‑sponsored event that challenged high‑school teams to create tangible, community‑focused tech. Lead developer Kai Pereira wanted a badge that could be programmed on‑the‑fly, displayed information without draining power, and still fit on a standard lanyard.

Within a week, the team produced a functional prototype:

1. Designed a two‑layer PCB with copper art for visual flair.
2. Integrated the RP2040 and PN532 NFC chip on a compact footprint.
3. Wrote MicroPython firmware that reads a config.json file to render custom bitmaps on the e‑ink screen.

Because the project is fully open source, the repository includes:

• Gerber files for PCB fabrication.
• Bill of Materials (BOM) compatible with JLCPCB’s assembly service.
• Step‑by‑step firmware flashing guide using Thonny.

The hackathon’s success sparked a broader maker‑community interest, leading to multiple forks, custom skins, and even integration experiments with AI chat agents.

Community Impact and Real‑World Use‑Cases

Since its release, the Overglade Badges have become a staple in maker meet‑ups, educational workshops, and even corporate badge‑in‑a‑box programs. Below are the most compelling scenarios:

How to Obtain Your Own Overglade Badge

Getting a badge is straightforward for both hobbyists and small businesses:

1. Clone the Repository

Visit the GitHub repository and clone or download the source files. The repo contains all design assets, firmware, and documentation.

2. Order the PCB

Upload the gerbers.zip to a PCB fab like JLCPCB. For a small batch (5–10 units), the cost is roughly $5 per board plus $5 for the e‑ink module. Bulk orders reduce the per‑unit price dramatically.

3. Assemble & Program

Follow the step‑by‑step guide:

• Connect the board via USB‑C.
• Enter the RP2040’s MicroPython bootloader.
• Use Thonny to flash main.py and config.json.
• Replace the bitmap files with your own images (ImageMagick works well).

4. Customize & Deploy

Modify config.json to change the displayed text, QR code, or NFC payload. The badge will instantly reflect changes after a single refresh command.

For bulk procurement or partnership opportunities, reach out through the UBOS partner program. They can help with assembly, testing, and even branding.

Further Reading on UBOS Platforms & Tools

While the Overglade Badges are a standalone hardware project, many developers find UBOS’s low‑code environment useful for extending badge functionality. Below are curated resources to accelerate your next prototype:

• UBOS homepage – Overview of the no‑code AI platform.
• UBOS platform overview – Deep dive into the modular architecture.
• AI marketing agents – Build AI‑driven campaigns that can be triggered by badge scans.
• UBOS for startups – Fast‑track your MVP with pre‑built AI components.
• UBOS solutions for SMBs – Scalable AI services for small businesses.
• Enterprise AI platform by UBOS – Enterprise‑grade security and governance.
• Web app editor on UBOS – Drag‑and‑drop UI builder for badge‑driven dashboards.
• Workflow automation studio – Automate data pipelines from badge scans to cloud storage.
• UBOS pricing plans – Transparent pricing for hobbyists and enterprises.
• UBOS portfolio examples – Real‑world case studies of AI‑enhanced hardware.
• UBOS templates for quick start – Ready‑made templates like AI Article Copywriter or AI SEO Analyzer that can be paired with badge data.
• AI Chatbot template – Deploy a conversational agent that reacts to badge scans.
• GPT‑Powered Telegram Bot – Bridge badge interactions to Telegram channels.
• About UBOS – Learn about the team behind the platform.

Conclusion: Join the Zero‑Power Badge Revolution

The Overglade Badges demonstrate that sophisticated, connected hardware can be built without a single battery, thanks to the synergy of the RP2040, NFC, and e‑ink technology. Whether you are a maker looking for a fresh hackathon project, a startup seeking a low‑cost identity token, or an educator wanting a hands‑on IoT lesson, these badges offer a flexible, open‑source foundation.

Ready to prototype your own badge? Clone the repo, order a few PCBs, and start customizing. And when you’re ready to scale, explore UBOS’s Enterprise AI platform to add analytics, AI‑driven personalization, and cloud integration—all without writing a line of code.

Take the first step today and turn a simple NFC tap into a powerful, battery‑free experience that showcases the future of maker‑centric hardware.