A crowdfunding campaign for an open-source RISC-V router has raised $24,934 toward a $250,000 softcap goal, attracting 90 contributors since its launch. The project, hosted on Start9’s crowdfunding platform, aims to develop a hardware router powered by the open RISC-V instruction set architecture, with contributions resetting every 30 days. This early momentum shows community interest in open-source hardware alternatives within networking 1.
The campaign, titled 'RISC-V Router,' is live on Start9’s crowdfunding platform, which allows projects to reset their funding goals periodically. The current goal of $250,000 is described as a 'softcap,' meaning the project may proceed even if the full amount is not raised. As of the latest update, the campaign has reached 10% of its target, with $24,934 raised from 90 contributors 1.
The RISC-V Router project is positioned as an open-source alternative to traditional networking hardware, leveraging the RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA). RISC-V is an open standard ISA, allowing developers to design custom processors without licensing fees. The campaign page does not specify the exact hardware specifications or the team behind the project, but it emphasizes the open-source nature of the initiative 1.
Contributors to the campaign can select from various perks, including early access to the router hardware. Some perks are listed as 'Free,' while others require a minimum contribution, such as a specified amount in an unspecified currency. The campaign page displays inventory limits for certain perks, indicating how many units are left or have been sold out 1.
The funding model for the campaign is structured around a reset mechanism, where the goal resets every 30 days. This approach allows the project to continue raising funds even if the initial softcap is not met within a single cycle. The campaign page notes that the reset interval is set to '{{srvModel.resetEveryAmount}} {{srvModel.resetEvery}},' suggesting a recurring funding model 1.
Start9, the platform hosting the campaign, is known for supporting open-source and privacy-focused hardware projects. While the RISC-V Router campaign does not explicitly state its use case, the broader trend of open-source hardware aims to provide transparency and customization options for users, particularly in networking and computing infrastructure 1.
The campaign’s progress is tracked in real-time on the platform, with metrics such as the total amount raised, the number of contributors, and the percentage of the goal achieved. The page also includes a countdown timer for the next reset, reinforcing the recurring funding model. Contributors are encouraged to participate before the current cycle ends 1.
RISC-V has gained traction in recent years as an alternative to proprietary ISAs like x86 and ARM, particularly in embedded systems and custom hardware projects. The open-source nature of RISC-V allows for greater flexibility and innovation, making it a popular choice for developers seeking to avoid licensing restrictions. This campaign aligns with that trend, though specific technical details about the router remain undisclosed 1.