About the challenge
The cryptocurrency space needs you to develop the next generation of projects, applications, and features to serve this ever-growing user base. In the spirit of MIT, this is a unique hackathon where you will have 36 hours to learn, share, and, most importantly, build a remarkable project that may be the next big thing to scale this space!
Are you new to the space? No worries; this event is beginner friendly!
Ready to level up? Meet collaborators and build something remarkable at one of the most prestigious events of the year.
Just curious or want to learn even more about crypto? Join us, and the fun will be guaranteed.
Give it a try and register now!!! We're excited to see you all on April 11th-12th. Let's Go!
Get started
Step 1: Register Complete the application form with your background, and project examples.
Step 2: Join Our Discord Once accepted, you'll receive a Discord invite link via email. Join the server to connect with other participants, find teammates, and stay updated on announcements.
Step 3: Build & Submit Code your project during the hackathon period. Submit on Devpost before the deadline with your GitHub repository, demo video, and project details.
Dates
| Event | Date & Time (Eastern Time) |
|---|---|
| Hackathon Kickoff | Friday, April 10, 2026 @ 6:00 PM |
| Hacking Period | Friday 6:00 PM – Sunday 6:00 AM (36 hours) |
| Submission Deadline | Sunday, April 12, 2026 @ 8:00 AM |
| Finalist Presentations | Sunday, April 12, 2026 @ 11:30 PM |
| Winners Announced | Sunday, April 12, 2026 @ 1:00 PM |
Project and Submission Requirements
Team Rules:
- Work solo or in teams of up to 5 members maximum
- All team members must be registered participants
Submission Rules:
- All submissions must be made on Devpost before the deadline
- Submissions must include all required materials (description, video, GitHub link)
Code of Conduct: All participants must follow our Code of Conduct. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. The hackathon is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment. Violations may result in immediate disqualification and removal from the event.
Prizes
Our prize pool uses a community focused distribution model to reward all participants, not just the top 3.
| Place | Percentage | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | 15% | $3,000 |
| 2nd Place | 10% | $2,000 |
| 3rd Place | 5% | $1,000 |
| Community Split | 70% | $14,000 |
The community pool is split equally per person among all qualifying submissions.
People's Choice Award — The team with the most Devpost project likes by 1:00 PM on Sunday April 12 wins a System76 Launch mechanical keyboard for each team member.
Requirements
What to build
Your project must be related to Bitcoin, blockchain, or cryptocurrency to be eligible for judging.
Eligible domains:
- Bitcoin (Core, Lightning Network, Taproot)
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
- Smart Contracts
- Developer Tools & Infrastructure
Projects unrelated to blockchain or crypto (e.g., standalone AI/ML apps, general web apps) will not be considered for prizes. Sponsor challenge tracks will be announced closer to the event.
What to submit
Your Devpost submission must include:
Required:
- Project description — clear explanation of what you built, the problem it solves, and how it works
- GitHub repository — public repo with all code written during the hackathon
- Working demo link — live URL or video demo showing your project in action
- Team members — list all team members with their Devpost profiles
Recommended:
- Screenshots or images of your project
- Technical architecture diagram
- Future roadmap or next steps
Important notes:
- All code must be written during the hackathon period
- You may submit to multiple tracks if applicable
Prizes
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
People's Choice Award
Each member of the People's Choice winning team receives a System76 Launch mechanical keyboard ($285 value). The winning team is determined by the most Devpost project likes at 1:00 PM on Sunday, April 12.
Community Prize
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Achyut Katiyar
MIT Bitcoin Hackathon Co-Chair
Rob Netzke
Brandon Lucas
Sam Nathans
Aaron Feickert
Arul Agarwal
Nakul Khambhati
Armin Sabouri
David Florness
stu
Matthew Vuk
Trey D
Judging Criteria
-
Technical
The completeness and functionality of the project, and the relevancy of the resources utilized to accomplish the goal of the project. -
Originality
A project that hasn’t been done before, or doesn’t currently exist. The project addresses a new or unsolved problem, or creates a unique solution to an existing problem. -
Ambitious
The complexity of the problem being addressed, or the approach to solving it. -
Design and User Experience
The user experience and flow of the project is pleasant and delightful. -
Wow Factor
The project is exceptional in some manner.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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