The Proof of Usefulness Hackathon by HackerNoon is built around one simple idea: real utility instead of just vibe-coded beauty, technical sophistication, or pitchdeck projections. We evaluate projects based on actual human, technical, and financial adoption to answer the most important questions.
Is it useful? Do people use it?
Individual developers and budding startups are welcome to participate, with access to free tools that help you build and promote something meaningful. Any technology is welcome, but bigger prizes are reserved for AI and ML projects that use sponsor technologies.
HACKATHON ONGOING
Total Prize Pool: $10,000 Cash + $60,000 Software
Credits
January 5 - June 5, 2026
HACKATHON ONGOING
Total Prize Pool: $5,000 Cash + $524 Growth+ Access for All Participants
January 5 - June 5, 2026
HACKATHON ONGOING
Total Prize Pool: $10,000 in Software Credits
January 5 - June 5, 2026
HACKATHON ONGOING
Total Prize Pool: $60,000 in Software Credits
January 5 - June 5, 2026
HACKATHON ONGOING
Total Prize Pool: $5,000 Cash for Winners + $750 HackerNoon Credits for Participating Startups
January 5 - June 5, 2026
The #stories with
the most time reading are nominated.
The shortlist will also be published
as a HackerNoon story.
how voting
actually works
HackerNoon editors
vote for who wins the contest.
We vote based on the potential
to move the technology
industry forward.
