I ran MNIST on an ESP32-C3 without TensorFlow, TFLite, or any ML runtime

May 20, 2026 · 6:07 AM UTC ·3 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 45 views

#embedded systems #machine learning #neural networks

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Alex Rosito successfully ran the MNIST digit recognition task on an ESP32-C3 without using TensorFlow or any machine learning runtime. The project evolved from a simple experiment into a minimal neural network toolchain designed for edge inference under constraints. It aims to provide a lightweight solution for deploying neural networks in environments with limited resources.

Key facts

▪The neural network was compiled directly into a C header and executed as firmware.
▪The project includes a minimal neural network training engine, a model exporter, and a CLI runtime for cross-platform execution.
▪The focus is on creating a usable neural inference stack that is practical and does not rely on heavy dependencies.

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Original publisher	DEV.to (Top)
Canonical URL	https://dev.to/alexrosito67/i-ran-mnist-on-an-esp32-c3-without-tensorflow-tflite-or-any-ml-runtime-1cjk
Publication time	Wed, 20 May 2026 06:07:25 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-05-20T06:35:00.404Z
Last seen	2026-05-20T06:35:00.404Z
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Indexing	May the item be indexed (stored, ranked, made findable)?	Allowed
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Basis: Derived from the published RSS/Atom feed. Contact: [email protected]. Reviewed: 2026-07-24.

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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand

try { if(localStorage) { let currentUser = localStorage.getItem('current_user'); if (currentUser) { currentUser = JSON.parse(currentUser); if (currentUser.id === 3903394) { document.getElementById('article-show-container').classList.add('current-user-is-article-author'); } } } } catch (e) { console.error(e); } Alex Rosito Posted on May 20 I ran MNIST on an ESP32-C3 without TensorFlow, TFLite, or any ML runtime #cpp #embeddedsystems #arduino #esp32 I ran MNIST digit recognition on an ESP32-C3 — without TensorFlow, TFLite, or any ML runtime. The neural network is compiled directly into a C header and executed as firmware. From Perceptrons to a Cross-Platform NN CLI for Edge Inference It started, like many questionable engineering projects, with curiosity about a perceptron.

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