# About Aleph Hackathon Aleph Hackathon is an intensive competition that drives the development of innovative tech projects. Open to developers, designers, cryptographers, project managers, students, and blockchain enthusiasts, this event is a unique opportunity to network, learn from experts, and contribute to the growth of the startup ecosystem # Before The Hackathon ### `Register` Ensure you and all your team (if you already have one) have completed the [Application Form](https://airtable.com/appENuebGSKMB5sia/pagv1JkIS2pysOZpU/form) 🚨 You'll receive an email accepting your application and instructions to participate. ### `Connect and Stay Up to Date` The only official communication channels are: - [X/Twitter](https://x.com/alephhackathon) - Our private Telegram group chat *(check your approval e-mail!)* - Mail: [hackathon@crecimiento.build](mailto:hackathon@crecimiento.build) ### `Find a Team` Are you missing a team, a hacker, an idea? - Send a message in the “Team formation” topic on our Telegram group chat. Introduce yourself and share your ideas! - Use [cherry.builders](https://www.cherry.builders/) 🍒 - Just create a profile and start swiping, just like a dating app. You can apply filters for what you're looking for - Once you have a match, you'll find them in the “Chats” page # During the Hackathon ### **`Hacking Rules`** - 🚨 You can plan ahead of time, but **all code for your project has to be written during the hackathon**. Code can only be committed after official start and until the submission deadline. Otherwise, you will be disqualified (no exception, everything will be checked). - The decision of judges is final for determining prizes. - A team can have between 1 and 4 members - You can not use another team's code. - Breaking our [Rules and Code of Conduct](https://flowery-library-1ca.notion.site/Rules-Code-of-Conduct-21d164cccd2380b2a84ec98a2cb64685?source=copy_link) leads to the exclusion from the event. ### **`Minimum Submission Requirements`** - A demo is required. Show us what you built in a short video! Here’s a short guide on [how to give a killer pitch](https://gist.github.com/dabit3/caef5eee4753dd7d23767bc31e70da28). *Tip: for a successful demo, address the [judging criteria](https://www.notion.so/Aleph-25-Hacker-s-Manual-1b20eb7f25e7807d81e8eed89fdd3101?pvs=21).* - Provide a link to the open-source code. Startups can apply with a new feature but, code must be open-source. We recommend including a Readme with information about the project. - When submitting, don’t forget to select on DoraHacks the Tracks or Bounties you’re applying for. Make sure to explain in your application which bounties you’re applying to and the contracts you’re submitting. - If you deploy a contract, the contract address must be provided. ### **`How to submit on DoraHacks (on Sunday)`** 💡 Everyone in your team needs a DoraHacks account. 1. Go to [Aleph '25 en Dorahacks](https://dorahacks.io/hackathon/aleph-hackathon/detail). 2. Then `create new BUIDL`. 3. Complete Name, Description, and all of your projects’ info. 4. Be sure to include your team members information when submitting your project (you can do so by adding their emails in the `Team Member` section). It’s very important that you make sure all of them are registered and logged in individually on the platform, and their information included in the final submission. 5. Add your Github repo link and demo 6. Complete the additional questions 7. Hit `Submit`! 8. You should now see your project in `Profile` > `BUIDL` 9. Go to `[Bounties](https://dashboard.dorahacks.io/hackathon/aleph25/bounties)` and select the bounties you want to participate with (yes, you can participate in multiple bounties!) If you need to make changes to your project, just click `Profile` > `BUIDL` > `Edit` to update your BUIDL information. ### **`Asking for Help from Mentors`** We've made sure to have amazing mentors ready to help you build the best possible projects. No questions are too small or too big! Reach out to our mentors - In-person at the Aleph Hub or the different local chapters - Online via our Telegram Group through their dedicated channels (they are pinned in each sponsor's dedicated topic) - Via our Mentor's Directory (70 mentors). You will find it in the Hacker's Manual you received # Challenges and ideas ### **`Mission`** **Latin America leads the blockchain revolution!** Web3 is global, but few places live and breathe decentralization like LATAM. From DeFi adoption to hacker culture, the talent is here—and Aleph '25 is the stage to prove it. This is your chance to showcase groundbreaking ideas, collaborate with the best builders, and bring your vision to life. ### **`Build anything that excites you`** This is not your typical hackathon. Aleph Hackathon is about pushing boundaries, experimenting with frontier tech, and proving why LATAM is a global crypto & innovation powerhouse. You choose what to build. We bring the best mentors, resources, and a massive prize pool to fuel your vision. ### **`Tracks`** - **DeFi** — To reinvent how money works: think beyond banks, create new ways to pay, lend, borrow, and trade - **AI/vibe coding** — Because the best ideas can come from anyone: no need for technical skills to experiment, create, and bring projects to life - **Privacy** — One of today’s most urgent challenges: building tools that protect our data and our freedom - **Interoperability** — To make every chain, app, and asset speak the same language - **Consumer apps & real-world assets** — To create blockchain-powered apps that solve real-world problems and are easy to use, even for your grandma who never heard about crypto (think mass adoption) - **Public Good** — To build what benefits everyone: open-source tools, shared infrastructure, and resources that no one owns but everyone can use and improve # Judging ### **`When`** - Submissions are due on Sunday 31st at 10:00 AM (Argentina time) - Judging will begin on Sunday 31st at 11:00 AM (Argentina time) until 2:00 PM - The Closing Ceremony will be streamed on Sunday at 6:00 PM (Argentina time) from Aleph Hub ### **`How`** - Judging will be conducted **async**, **entirely online** and in **English**. - To participate, you must submit a **3-minute demo video** showcasing your project. - Our **judges and bounty partners** will review all submissions and select the winning projects. - For detailed instructions on video submissions, refer to **Dora's "How-To" guide**. - **Prize payouts will be processed within 30-60 days** after winners are announced, operated directly by the sponsors themselves (not Crecimiento) ### **`Criteria`** The projects submitted to Aleph Hackathon will be judged based on the following criteria: **Technicality:** How technically impressive is the project? Does it demonstrate advanced problem-solving and engineering skills? **Originality:** Is the project innovative and unique? Does it propose a new solution or a creative approach to an existing problem? **UI/UX/DX:** How user-friendly and accessible is the project? Is the user interface, user experience, and developer experience well-designed and intuitive? **Practicality:** How practical and feasible is the project? Does it have real-world applications, and can it be implemented effectively? **Presentation:** Is the project clearly explained and well-presented? Does the team communicate their idea effectively through their pitch, demo, and supporting materials? A successful project addresses all judging criteria. Each project will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5 across these criteria. *NB: some sponsors have their own criteria. In that case, they are detailed in each sponsor's track*