List of Hackathons for Blockchain, Crypto, Web3, AI, Metaverse, DeFi & NFT 2024

Hackathons refer to the words “hacking” and “marathon” and have been a prevalent part of every major industry for over a decade. Crypto hackathons are the newest addition to the space! These social coding events gather several parties trying to find new solutions while establishing fruitful collaborations. When it comes to crypto and blockchain hackathons, participants compete to develop a simple app on a blockchain network.

Given the success and popularity of these events, blockchain and crypto enthusiasts must visit them. That’s why we have curated a complete list of interesting upcoming hackathons that cover topics like Blockchain and Blockchain Applications, Cryptocurrency, Metaverse, DeFi, NFTs, Web3, FinTech, Apps/dApps & ML/AI. Want to expand your knowledge, get new ideas, and grow your network while winning prizes? Keep an eye on these competitions & challenges and consider participating to accumulate such rewards.

Upcoming Hackathons related to Blockchain-Web3 for 2024

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What are Crypto Hackathons?

Crypto hackathons are events where blockchain and crypto enthusiasts unite to share unique and intuitive ideas. Participating in a hackathon competition is a great way to learn more about DeFi, NFTs, Web3, Metaverse, AI, blockchain applications, and upcoming technologies in the blockchain industry.

Crypto and blockchain hackathons aim to flourish creativity and collaboration among enthusiasts, developers, and institutions. Depending on the hackathon, participants may encounter a specific hackathon challenge or freely develop a blockchain-based app.

Let’s dig deep into the concept and uncover everything there is to know about crypto and blockchain hackathon.

How Do Hackathons Work?

A hackathon generally revolves around technology, involving several teams and individuals. These participants collaborate to produce innovative solutions within a short period. Here are some of the most crucial characteristics of a hackathon:

1. Theme and Challenges: The hackathon event must have a specific challenge or theme. For web3 hackathons, this theme would be crypto, blockchain, DeFi, NFT, etc.
2. Team Formation: The objective behind top hackathons is to drive innovation with collaboration. Thus, it involves team formation with subject experts, developers, and enthusiasts.
3. Idea Generation: The involved parties share new and intuitive ideas to address the given challenge.
4. Prototyping: Participants try to create a prototype or MVP (Minimum Viable Product) addressing the issue within a specified period.
5. Mentorship and Workshops: Such an event is filled with hackathon workshops where participants can find mentors who are experts or experienced professionals on the subject.
6. Presentation: Every product or project created during the hackathon is presented at the end.
7. Judging and Prizes: Judges assess the products based on different standards. The best and most well-executed ideas earn prizes in different forms.

How to Register for and Participate in a Hackathon?

• Hackathon organizers post a problem statement publicly.
• Participants register/submit for the event as an individual or as a group.
• On the first day, all participants attend a presentation event where they are assigned to groups.
• After the presentation, groups work on their projects until the submission deadline.
• On the submission day, groups present their projects to a panel of experts who judge them based on predetermined criteria such as level of complexity or innovation, implementation, or ease of use.
• If the hackathon is competitive, the judges announce the winners on the last day of the event.

Different Types of Hackathons

Given the vastness of the crypto space, several types of hackathons can be organized. Hackathons can be classified in a number of different ways, including:

1. Format: Hackathons can be held in person, online, or in a hybrid format. In-person hackathons are the most common type and involve participants coming together in a physical location to work on their projects. Online hackathons or remote hackathons allow participants to participate from anywhere in the world and can be held on platforms. Hybrid hackathons combine elements of both in-person and online participation.
2. Audience: Hackathons can be open to the public or limited to specific groups of people, such as employees of a company, students at a university, or members of a particular community.
3. Focus: Best hackathons can have a specific focus, such as a particular industry, technology, or social issue. Here are the major ones most programmers and enthusiasts look out for:
   • Blockchain Hackathon: The Blockchain Hackathons focus on developing apps on blockchain networks, such as Ethereum.
   • DeFi Hackathon: The Decentralized Finance Hackathons focus on developing financial products and services via blockchain technology.
   • NFT Hackathon: Non-Fungible Token hackathons focus on NFT-based marketplaces, collectibles, and products.
   • Crypto Security Hackathons: Focuses on developing new ways to address security and vulnerability issues.
   • AI Hackathon: Artificial Intelligence (AI) hackathons focus on developing AI models and applications for specific tasks or industries, such as natural language processing, computer vision, or recommendation systems.
   • Fintech Hackathon: Fintech hackathons focus on innovations in the financial technology sector, including payment systems, lending platforms, and investment tools.
   • VR, AR, and Metaverse Hackathon: Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Metaverse hackathons create immersive experiences or applications using VR and AR technologies.

Why You Should Participate in a Hackathon

Participating in a hackathon, whether crypto or otherwise, has several benefits. Take a look at the most common ones:

• Learning Opportunity: These events offer the chance to get hands-on experience under expert supervision.
• Networking:Hackathons provide exposure to subject experts, industry tycoons, and computational scientists, giving you the chance to network with them and learn from their experience.
• Problem Solving: Virtual hackathon provides exposure to learning the latest technologies. You can learn and find new ways to address real-world issues at hackathons. For example, participants find new app ideas to solve real-world problems or their own problems at a web3 hackathon.
• Innovation: Local hackathons allow you to meet like-minded individuals, and subject expert mentors, which can lead to brainstorming revolutionary ideas.
• Prizes and Recognition: Participants can win career opportunities, market recognition, and cash prizes at such events.
• Have fun: Hackathons can be a fun experience, especially when visiting one with a theme of your interest.

Who Can Participate in a Hackathon

A crypto hackathon is an ideal event for blockchain developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and even students. Anyone interested in blockchain technology is welcome; product managers, blockchain enthusiasts, and marketers will find such events useful. Anyone interested in learning and building solutions to real-world problems in a collaborative environment can be a part of or attend a hackathon!

What Skills Are Needed to Participate in a Hackathon

To find the best hackathon, ensuring you have the right skills is ideal. Here is an overview of skills that best suit a hackathon:

• Programming: A grasp of programming languages, such as Python, Solidity, or JavaScript.
• Blockchain Knowledge: An understanding of blockchain technology and related factors.
• Design: Expertise in designing UI and UX for a user-friendly interface.
• Problem Solving: The ability to find and resolve technical issues.
• Pitching: Communication skills to showcase the project to potential investors and judges.

How to Prepare for a Hackathon

Participants can leverage a hackathon to its fullest by making apt preparations. Let’s take a look at some strategies that can be implemented for the same:

• Research the hackathon’s theme and challenges: Find the hackathon with the themes and challenges that best suit your project ideas.
• Brush up on relevant technical skills: Hone your technical skills to deliver the best performance at the event.
• Assemble a team with diverse skills: Find people with skills that complement your objective and team.
• Plan your project and set clear goals: Set defined goals that can be attained within a fixed period.
• Gather necessary tools and resources: Identify and gather the right tools to carry out the project.
• Familiarize yourself with the event schedule and rules: Learn about the event rules and schedules for a seamless experience.

What Do You Need to Win a Hackathon

Given the sheer number of participants hackathons amass, it can be challenging to stand out. However, it can be done by taking care of the following factors:

• Creativity and innovation: Bringing fresh and unique ideas will set you apart.
• Technical excellence and functionality: It is crucial to be technically skilled to address upcoming challenges.
• Practicality and relevance to the challenge: Make sure your ideas and project align with the challenge.
• A compelling presentation and pitch: Ensure your project presentation is persuasive, content, and impactful.
• A well-documented and user-friendly prototype: Deliver a real-time presentation of how your product can solve real-world issues with a prototype.

Do You Make Money from a Hackathon

Making money at a hackathon is possible; however, it depends on the event. Some of the biggest hackathons reward participants with job opportunities, while some offer cash rewards.
It is highly recommended to join relevant hackathons, whether it’s an online hackathon or a remote hackathon since they impart benefits regardless. Participants can easily expand their network, find new partners, and gain new insights about the industry at such events.