Most conference badges perform a single function: they tell security at the door that the wearer has paid for admission. Solana's new BP Badge is designed to do considerably more — the company wants attendees to write code on it.

Solana unveiled the BP Badge on October 28, 2026, through its official channels, describing it as a programmable hardware development kit that will be handed to participants at Breakpoint 2026. During the event, attendees will be able to build and install applications on the device, complete quests, trade digital cards and collect in-game rewards. In effect, the device doubles as a conference credential and a pocket-sized development kit.

Hackable electronic badges have long been a tradition at hardware-focused gatherings such as DEF CON, where custom circuitry and on-device puzzles are part of the draw. Solana's version brings that format to its flagship conference, putting developer hardware in the hands of every ticketholder rather than a niche subset.

The announcement lands less than three weeks before Breakpoint opens its doors in London next month — a timeline that leaves curious developers only a short runway to begin tinkering with the hardware.

What's Inside the Badge

The badge is built on the ESP32-C5 platform, a RISC-V chip running at 240 MHz, topped with a customized firmware that Solana calls “Solana OS.” The ESP32 family is among the most widely adopted microcontroller platforms in embedded development, meaning many hardware builders will already be familiar with its tooling. The device carries 16 MB of flash storage. On paper, the specification reads closer to a compact handheld console than a standard event credential.

The display is a 320×240 color TFT screen built on an ILI9341 panel, and navigation is handled through a D-pad paired with action buttons. The board also features eight WS2812B RGB LEDs and a microSD slot for extra storage.

Power is supplied by a 1000 mAh LiPo battery that charges over USB-C. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5 and an 802.15.4 radio — the standard that underpins low-power mesh protocols such as Zigbee and Thread. The physical footprint measures 117 × 78 mm.

Solana has published detailed specifications and flashing instructions on the event's website, giving developers a way to start experimenting with the hardware before the conference begins.

Quests, Cards and a Currency Called !LAMPs

Solana has designed the badge to gamify the conference experience. Attendees can complete quests and collect pages from the “Hitchhiker's Guide to Solana.” Digital cards can be swapped with people in close physical proximity, allowing attendees to exchange them as they move through the venue.

The in-game incentive system runs on a currency described as !LAMPs, built to reward participation throughout the event. According to the research findings, no specific crypto tokens are currently tied directly to the badges or the associated game mechanics.

For developers, the bigger draw is the ability to create their own applications and flash them onto the device on-site. With documentation already live ahead of the November 15 opening, those who want a head start can arrive at Olympia with software ready to install.

Breakpoint Heads to Europe

Breakpoint is Solana's annual flagship event, aimed at bringing together developers and ecosystem participants from across the Solana community. The 2026 edition runs November 15–17 at the Olympia Convention Centre in London.

This year marks the first time the conference has been held in Europe. Previous editions have centered discussion on revenue generation and the potential for tokenized assets.

Ticket pricing for Breakpoint 2026 is set across three tiers, according to the announcement: general admission costs $550, developer passes run $250, and student tickets are priced at $100.

Disclosure: The original report was edited by Kaye Quema.