Axiometa
Microcontroller Boards

Genesis IoT Discovery Lab

A Wi-Fi enabled, modular platform for plug-and-play prototyping

$5,800 raised

of $1 goal

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Funding ends on Sep 25, 2025 at 04:59 PM PDT.

$70

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Genesis IoT Discovery Lab is a modular, Wi-Fi-enabled prototyping system built around a standardized AX22 connector. Our ESP32-S3 board provides six Genesis ports that modules plug into directly. The connection standard can be implemented on other microcontroller platforms, making modules compatible across different boards. This platform eliminates breadboard wiring for common tasks like sensor reading, display control, and motor driving. Modules lock securely in place and provide reliable electrical connections. This reduces setup time and prevents connection failure during development and testing.

We’ve designed a complete system that’s ready to go as soon as you open the box. You’ll find helpful modules with sensors, buttons, switches, motors, LEDs, and more. And because it’s open hardware, it’s easy to design and add your own modules. The Genesis IoT Discovery Lab also includes a battery connector with built-in charging, so projects are fully portable.

Whether you’re new to designing hardware or a seasoned developer looking to iterate more quickly on your latest creation, the Genesis IoT Discovery Lab has something to offer.

Explore & Create

The Genesis IoT Discovery Lab is tailor-made for tinkerers and makers of all stripes. Dozens of ready-made AX22 modules make it the perfect foundation for rapid prototyping, and it’s simple enough to make it amazing for students. Tested in university and classroom settings, the Genesis IoT ecosystem simplifies teaching by removing the need for extensive debugging and enables an organized, repeatable approach to delivering lessons to students. Because it’s compatible with the Arduino IDE, MicroPython, CircuitPython, and popular standards like STEMMA QT and Qwiic, you can expect it to work how you want it to.

Standardized pinouts support over 50 sensors and peripherals, making it an excellent choice for creating tailored solutions such as IoT devices or flight-simulator peripherals. This makes it a fantastic jumping-off point for designing custom hardware. Moreover, Genesis’ structured layout retains full compatibility with traditional breadboards, for even more flexible prototyping scenarios.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

The Genesis connector uses a fixed 10-pin layout with standardized power, analog, UART, I²C, SPI, and GPIO signals. This pinout works on any microcontroller platform that can provide these interfaces. Current modules will function on Raspberry Pi Pico or STM32 boards that implement the same connector so you can switch between platforms without redesigning modules or changing connections. A temperature sensor module works identically whether connected to ESP32 or Pi Pico.

Custom PCB designers can add AX22 ports to their boards and immediately access all compatible modules. The connector specification is open and documented.

Mechanically Secure Connections

Genesis connectors use a mechanical interface that is stronger than breadboard connections or loose header pins, so you can transport, integrate, and demo your projects without worrying about connection failures.

Reduced Development Time

Common prototyping tasks require no wiring when using Genesis modules. Connecting a sensor involves plugging it into an available port. The system automatically handles power distribution, signal routing, and electrical protection. Software libraries provide consistent interfaces for all modules, and I²C addresses are documented and collision-free. Our module documentation also includes working code examples and hardware specifications. Working with Genesis IoT Discovery Lab is faster than breadboard prototyping for multi-module projects and reduces troubleshooting time by eliminating connection issues.

The AX22 Standard

We didn’t intend to create yet another hardware standard—AX22 was simply the outcome of building as many useful modules as possible and making sure they could be easily arranged and reused on the Genesis platform.

Each module implements our 22x22 mm format with a 10-pin interface that supports I²C, SPI, UART, 3x GPIO, and 1x analog input, so you can plug any module into any port without rewiring or remapping. By adopting AX22, you reap some of the following benefits:

Features & Specifications

Genesis Matrix

Included Peripherals

5x5 Neopixel Matrix, RGB LED, D-Pad Button Controller, Two Pads, Push Button, Vibration Switch, Toggle Switch, Rotary Encoder, Vibration Motor, Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR), Potentiometer, MEMS Microphone, Active buzzer, 3 A Relay, DC Motor Driver, Keyboard Key w/ NeoPixel, Servo Adapter (w/ Servo Motor), Temperature and Humidity Sensor (DHT11), Blank Prototyping Module
Traffic Light Module, Street Light Module

Extension Kit

Distance Sensor (VL53L0CX), Humidity Sensor (BME280), SD Card Adapter, Port-to-Wire Adapter (w/ cable), Port Extender, IPS-over-SPI LCD Display (160x80), Accelerometer (MPU6050), IR Transceiver

Comparisons

Axiometa Genesis IoT Discovery LabSunFounder ESP32 KitElegoo Arduino UNO Kit
Intended Users Teachers, product designers, STEM kits, hobbyists, beginners Hobbyists, students, tinkerers Hobbyists, students, beginners
Included Modules ESP32 Microcontroller board + Genesis Matrix + 20 Modules + Servo Motor 25–30 loose components (camera, sensors, motors, etc.) 30+ components (LEDs, buttons, relays, sensors)
MicrocontrollerESP32-S3 Dual-Core LX7 @ 240 MHz ESP32-WROOM-32E Dual-Core LX6 @ 240 MHz ATmega328P 8-bit @ 16 MHz
Flash8 MB Flash 4 MB Flash 32 KB Flash
RAM2 MB PSRAM 520 KB SRAM 2 KB SRAM
ConnectivityWi‑Fi 4, Bluetooth 5 LE Wi‑Fi 4, Bluetooth 4.2 None
USB InterfaceDual USB Type‑C (UART via CP2102 + USB‑OTG) Micro‑USB (CH340C) USB Type‑B
ADC / PWM / GPIO20 ADC / 31 PWM / 45 GPIO 18 ADC / 16 PWM / 34 GPIO 6 ADC / 6 PWM / 14 GPIO
Touch Pins15 10 None
Power Supply1.8 - 5.5 V (V‑System), USB Type‑C 5 V (Micro‑USB) 5 V (USB or barrel jack)
Battery SupportYes No No
Special FeaturesUSB‑OTG, Boot + Reset, Activity LED, Power LED Boot + Reset, Activity LED, Power LED Reset Button only
Assembly MethodPlug-and-play AX22 modules (no jumper wires needed) Breadboard + jumper wires Breadboard + jumper wires
Project SpeedVery fast – connect modules, select function, generate code Slower – wire, code, debug Slower – wire, code, debug
PortabilityYes – compact, modular, no breadboard required No – fragile setup No – wires and breadboard
DocumentationEach component is open source with full documentation Basic online tutorials Printed + PDF guidebook
Price Range$70 Starter Kit + $49 Extension Kit $59.99 $64.99

Support & Documentation

Every single Genesis IoT Discovery Lab component is open-source hardware available under the CERN-OHL-S-2.0 license. We have schematics available for you on our website, where you will also find easy getting-started projects, first-time setup guides, and other documentation:

Manufacturing Plan

We’re excited to announce the start of Genesis production! We’ve successfully tested our prototypes and are ready to make the first batch. To ensure quality, we’ll be working with a trusted manufacturer (likely a blend of Elecrow and JLCPCB) to produce a limited number of units. This will help us fine-tune the process before scaling up production.

Fulfillment & Logistics

After our production run is complete, we will package everything up and send it along to Crowd Supply’s fulfillment partner, Mouser Electronics, who will handle distribution to backers worldwide. You can learn more about Crowd Supply’s fulfillment service under Ordering, Paying, and Shipping in their guide.

Risks & Challenges

We’re aware of the supply-chain risks and have plans in place to mitigate them. We’ll also be working closely with our manufacturing partners to monitor the production process and address any issues that arise. Finally, we’ve invested in quality control and testing facilities, so we have a dedicated team who are passionate about making Genesis the best it can be.

We’re committed to providing excellent customer support as well, and we’re here to help you with any questions or problems you may have. We’re always looking for ways to improve Genesis IoT Discovery Lab!

In the Press

Hackster News

"Pop in a "core" microcontroller and your choice of modular inputs and outputs to quickly build up your next prototype."

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Produced by Axiometa in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.

Genesis IoT Discovery Lab - Starter Kit

A modular,WI-FI-enabled, ESP32-based platform designed to streamline prototyping and development. Comes with 18 engaging and easy-to-use AX22 modules, a blank peripheral board for prototyping, two fun light-post peripherals, and a servo motor, all of which allow you to experiment with and develop IoT applications.

$70 Free US Shipping / $12 Worldwide

Extension Kit - Advanced AX22 Modules

Eight additional add-on modules for Genesis IoT Discovery Lab: a VL53L0CX ToF Distance Sensor, a BME280 Humidity Sensor, an SD Card Adapter, a Port-to-Wire Adapter with cable, a Port Extender, an IPS-Over-SPI LCD Display, an Accelerometer, and an IR Transceiver

$49 Free US Shipping / $12 Worldwide

About the Team

Axiometa

 ·   ·   ·   ·   · 

We develop modular, open-source hardware and software to simplify prototyping and education in electronics. Our tools prioritize functionality and ease of use, eliminating unnecessary complexity for creators, educators, and engineers.

Povilas Dumcius
 dumciusp
Tomaš Krukovski

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