Build first. Partner when it helps.
You do not need Partner status to use ESPFlight. If a project grows from learning and experimentation into a kit or independent product, the Founding Partner Program can be an optional next step for builders who want a closer connection to the ecosystem.
Partnership is optional. Learning, building, modifying, creating independent hardware, and selling your own kit or product remain separate from Partner status and are governed by the published licenses and Brand Policy.
For the people building what comes next.
PARTNERLaunch cohort
You can start small. That is the point.
The first ESPFlight partners do not need an established brand or a finished product. The program is open to serious builders who are developing something real and would benefit from a closer relationship with the platform.
Still exploring an idea?
Tell us what you want to build, what you are trying to learn or solve, who it is for, and why ESPFlight fits. A working prototype is not required to start the conversation.
Already building?
Bring the prototype, rough board, or early design. This is the ideal point for compatibility guidance and practical feedback.
Turning it into a kit or product?
If your hardware is becoming a repeatable kit or independent product, partnership can add compatibility guidance, closer communication, and ecosystem visibility.
Partnership is a benefit, not permission.
You never need Partner status just to use the open ESPFlight components or build an independent product within their published licenses. The Partner program is for Makers who want a closer project relationship with the ecosystem.
Your project, kit or product, brand, pricing, and relationship with its users remain yours.
Apply because closer support, visibility, or collaboration helps your project—not because access is being held back.
New Makers are welcome before they have a finished kit, audience, or sales. The program should support promising builders early rather than only recognize them later.
Founding partners receive founding benefits.
For the first ESPFlight Partner cohort, accepted applicants may receive launch-cohort benefits. Any fees, discounts, benefits, or brand permissions will be shown clearly before you accept any commitment.
- Founding Partner recognitionBe part of the first official ESPFlight partner cohort.
- Launch-cohort benefitsAny special launch benefits or fees are disclosed before you make a commitment.
- Early product visibilityPriority consideration for the ESPFlight Partner and ecosystem product directory.
- Compatibility guidanceCloser feedback while you move from prototype toward a reliable product.
- Closer technical channelA more direct path for product-level ESPFlight questions and integration issues.
- Launch supportOpportunities for ecosystem announcements and product visibility when appropriate.
- Authorized brand useApproved Partners may receive permission to use “Powered by ESPFlight” and official Partner marks under the Brand Policy.
Founding benefits, brand marks, discounts, listings, and any program terms are subject to the published Partner and Brand Policy. Applying does not create a partnership or financial obligation. Read the Brand Policy.
Freedom stays the baseline.
ESPFlight should remain useful even if you never join the Partner program. Partnership adds a closer relationship; it does not remove the open path.
| What you can do | Independent maker | ESPFlight Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Build with open ESPFlight components | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Modify and optionally sell under your own brand | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Use the free companion app | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Official Partner recognition | — | ✓ Included |
| Partner product visibility | Community path | ✓ Priority path |
| Closer product-level guidance | Public resources | ✓ Partner channel |
Tell us what you want to build.
Keep the first application lightweight. We mainly want to understand your project, where you are today, and how ESPFlight could help you get to the next stage.
Idea, prototype, kit, or product — all are welcome.
There is no advantage in pretending to be further along than you are. Tell us your real stage and what you are trying to make.
Open Partner applicationThe official application link will appear here when the V1.0 Partner intake opens.
Good partners make the platform stronger.
The goal is simple: help Makers build better projects, kits, and products, share knowledge across the ecosystem, and strengthen the platform that everyone can keep learning and building on.
Explore the maker ecosystem