---
title: "Discussion on \"Oxidize XIAO — An Embedded Rust Community Program\" | Hashnode"
description: "Discussion on \"Oxidize XIAO — An Embedded Rust Community Program\". A community giveaway program by The Embedded Rustacean × Seeed Studio to grow the embedded Rust ecosystem"
url: "https://hashnode.com/posts/oxidize-xiao/6a53816cd6c41ca28c6375b3"
---

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Discussion

# [Oxidize XIAO — An Embedded Rust Community Program](https://blog.theembeddedrustacean.com/oxidize-xiao?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed)

A community giveaway program by The Embedded Rustacean × Seeed Studio to grow the embedded Rust ecosystem

Jul 12 · 5 min read · blog.theembeddedrustacean.com  
Updated Oct 21  
Read the article

-   [#iot](https://hashnode.com/tag/iot)
-   [#rust](https://hashnode.com/tag/rust)
-   [#embedded](https://hashnode.com/tag/embedded)

## Written by

[Omar Hiari](https://hashnode.com/@omarhiari)

@omarhiari

  
[View profile](https://hashnode.com/@omarhiari)

I am an 📟 Embedded Engineer with years of experience in both industry 🏭 and academia 🏫. Passionate Mentor 👨‍💼 and Instructor 👨‍🏫. Rustacean 🦀

## Responses 3

Markdown supported · ⌘↵ to post

[Michael Risser](https://hashnode.com/@mdrisser)

[Jul 17](https://hashnode.com/posts/oxidize-xiao/6a53816cd6c41ca28c6375b3/comment/6a5a71fe9973a89707a8eb6b)

I get that you're trying to grow the community, but it sucks that you have to refer two people. I don't know one person who is even remotely interested in embedded development, let alone embedded Rust, heck I don't even know anyone interestetd in development of any kind. Am I alone in this?

[Omar Hiari](https://hashnode.com/@omarhiari)

[Jul 18](https://hashnode.com/posts/oxidize-xiao/6a53816cd6c41ca28c6375b3/comment/6a5a71fe9973a89707a8eb6b#reply-6a5b9d388853c978b979c2df)

Thanks for the honest feedback [Michael Risser](https://hashnode.com/@mdrisser "Michael Risser") . I totally hear you.

Here's the thinking behind it: this program is sponsored. The prizes are also funded by partners who believe in growing the embedded Rust community. Referrals are a mechanism to show that growth is happening. It's what keeps the program alive and the sponsors committed. There are many ways to refer others, and it doesn't necessarily have to be face-to-face or to individuals you know.

That said, there is also the Quarterly Build Challenge, which has no referral requirement. Build a project with any XIAO board and Rust, share it publicly, and you're entered for the even larger prize pack.

We'll certainly keep monitoring the feedback and making adjustments as the program evolves.

[Omar Hiari](https://hashnode.com/@omarhiari)

[Jul 23](https://hashnode.com/posts/oxidize-xiao/6a53816cd6c41ca28c6375b3/comment/6a5a71fe9973a89707a8eb6b#reply-6a621d9e58ca3e0d3b57ef2f)

[Michael Risser](https://hashnode.com/@mdrisser "Michael Risser") quick update: based on more feedback, we've simplified the monthly draw. Referrals are no longer required. Just stay subscribed and answer the discovery question to be eligible.