Developers and innovators worldwide are being called to harness the power of thermal imaging for real-world impact. With the launch of FLIR’s new iXX-Series app-enabled thermal cameras—designed to streamline workflows and reduce reporting time by up to 50%, the FLIR Hackathon App Challenge 2025 is officially open for registration.
This global challenge invites developers, engineers, and creative technologists to design cutting-edge Android applications using the FLIR ACE SDK (Software Development Kit). With $5,000 in cash prizes and FLIR thermal cameras up for grabs, this is more than a competition; it’s an opportunity to redefine how industries approach thermography and digital inspections.
Driving innovation in thermal imaging technology
Thermal imaging has long been a transformative force in digital construction, industrial maintenance, and building diagnostics. But with the launch of the FLIR iXX-Series, including the i34, i64, i35, and i65 models, the technology has entered a new era of connectivity and intelligence.
The new ACE platform allows developers to build apps that run directly on the thermal camera itself, unlocking endless potential for AI-driven inspections, automated thermal data analysis, and real-time reporting. With built-in LTE and cloud connectivity, users can securely share inspection data and reports from the field, even in remote environments without Wi-Fi access.
For developers participating in the FLIR Hackathon App Challenge 2025, this means an opportunity to build solutions that could change how technicians, inspectors, and engineers operate across sectors, giving them what FLIR calls a digital “sixth sense”.
Transforming industrial condition monitoring
One of the most exciting categories in this year’s challenge is industrial condition monitoring. Thermal imaging is already critical to identifying early warning signs in electrical systems, motors, and rotating machinery, preventing downtime that can cost thousands of pounds per minute.
Developers are encouraged to create condition monitoring apps that integrate seamlessly with FLIR’s thermal cameras to collect, annotate, and interpret temperature data. Potential applications might include:
- Real-time monitoring and anomaly detection in electrical panels
- Predictive maintenance tools that identify early signs of failure
- Automated trend analysis that suggests corrective actions
By leveraging the FLIR ACE SDK, participants can design smart algorithms that not only visualise thermal data but also help technicians act on insights faster, keeping power flowing, equipment running, and operations efficient.
Advancing building diagnostics and energy efficiency
Another key area for innovation lies in building diagnostics and energy efficiency. Thermal imaging enables professionals to detect issues invisible to the naked eye, including:
- Missing or damaged insulation
- Moisture intrusion and water leaks
- Inefficient HVAC systems
- Air leakage and structural inefficiencies
In the digital construction sector, these insights are vital for maintaining building performance, reducing energy waste, and supporting sustainability goals.
App developers entering the FLIR Hackathon 2025 could revolutionise this process by creating inspection workflow apps that help users collect, annotate, and report thermal data directly to stakeholders. Imagine an application that instantly compiles findings into professional reports for building owners, insurers, and energy consultants, saving time and ensuring transparency across the value chain.
The FLIR ACE platform: building the future of smart inspections
Unlike traditional thermal imaging tools, the FLIR ACE platform is a fully integrated development environment designed to empower the next generation of smart inspection technologies.
Developers in the Hackathon will work directly with the platform, embedding their custom solutions into the iXX-Series cameras. This allows for seamless data capture, in-camera analysis, and instant cloud reporting—all within one ecosystem.
By building for FLIR ACE, participants are not just developing apps; they are shaping the future of how thermal imaging, AI, and connectivity converge to make inspections faster, smarter, and more precise.
How to enter the FLIR Hackathon App Challenge 2025
The FLIR Hackathon App Challenge 2025 is open to global participants who have a vision for using thermography and app-based solutions to tackle real-world problems.
- Deadline for submissions: 29 December 2025
- Registration and details: https://flir.kreativdistrikt.com/
- Kick-off webinar: Participants can attend an official introduction session to learn more about the challenge, the FLIR ACE SDK, and how to make their submission stand out.
- Collaboration opportunities: Developers can team up with FLIR experts and industry leaders to refine their app concepts and ensure real-world applicability.
Places are limited, so early registration is highly encouraged.
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