# **Welcome to Akashathon²!** After the success of our first hackathon in 2023, we wanted to make our second hackathon bigger and better than ever! Akashathon² participants will delve into the limitless possibilities of **AI applications** empowered by Akash's GPU marketplace. Whether you're passionate about revolutionizing crypto with AI or crafting tools to enhance the accessibility and usability of the Akash network for both providers and deployers, this hackathon is your platform to innovate! Let's explore the frontiers of decentralized computing and AI integration! # Project Submission Deadline May 17th @ 11:59pm PST # Prizes * Please check out "Track" tab to learn about track requirements.* **AI Track** (All placed projects 1-5 will get reimbursed in AKT for all consumed compute resources during the hackathon) - First Place: $20,000 + 50 GPU hours on Akash + reimbursement - Second Place: $10,000 + 25 GPU hours on Akash + reimbursement - Third Place: $4,000 + 10 GPU hours on Akash + reimbursement - Fourth Place: full reimbursement of GPUs used for hackathon - Fifth Place: full reimbursement of GPUs used for hackathon **Tools Track** - First Place: $10,000 + 6 months hosting on Akash - Second Place: $5,000 + 6 months hosting on Akash - Third Place: $3,000 + 6 months hosting on Akash **Deployment Track** - First Place: $15,000 - Second Place: $10,000 - Third Place: $5,000 # Entry Requirement To participate in Akashathon², all team members must register individually and agree to abide by the hackathon rules and guidelines. Participants must be over 18 years of age and winners must submit to KYC for prizes. # Submission Guidelines/Requirements All projects submitted for consideration must meet the following criteria: - Utilization of Akash Network: All projects must demonstrate the integration or exploration of the Akash Network - Innovative AI applications or network enhancement tools: Projects should focus on either developing AI applications that leverage the power of decentralized GPU computing or creating tools that enhance the accessibility and usability of the Akash network for both providers and deployers. - Open sourcing development: Teams are required to open-source their project code on a platform such as GitHub. This includes all code, documentation, and any additional resources necessary for understanding and replicating the project. - Submission format: Submissions must include a detailed project description outlining the problem statement, solution approach, technical implementation, and potential impact. Additionally, teams should provide a demo video or demo/prototype showcasing the functionality of their project. - Compliance with ethical standards: Projects must adhere to ethical standards, respecting user privacy and data protection laws, and avoiding any harmful or malicious intent. **By meeting these requirements and guidelines, you will ensure that your projects are eligible for consideration and contribute to the collaborative spirit of the hackathon.** # Judging Criteria & Selection Process **Initial Review:** - Upon the submission deadline, the organizing committee will conduct an initial review of all project submissions to ensure they meet the specified entry requirements and guidelines. - Submissions failing to meet the criteria will be disqualified from further evaluation. **Technical Evaluation:** - Qualified submissions will undergo a thorough technical evaluation by a panel of expert judges with expertise in AI, decentralized computing, and software development. - Judges will assess the technical complexity, innovation, and feasibility of each project, considering factors such as the integration with Akash Networks GPU marketplace, AI application quality, and effectiveness of network enhancement tools. **Impact Assessment:** - Projects advancing through the technical evaluation will be assessed based on their potential impact and scalability. Judges will consider the project's ability to address real-world challenges, its potential for adoption and scalability, and the value it brings to the Akash community and decentralized computing ecosystem. **Presentation and Q&A Session:** - Finalists will be invited to present their projects to the judging panel during a live virtual event. Teams will have the opportunity to showcase their work, discuss their technical approach, and answer questions from the judges. - Presentations will be evaluated based on clarity, coherence, and the team's ability to effectively communicate their project's key features, functionalities, and impact. **Selection of Winners:** - After thorough deliberation and consideration of all evaluation criteria, the judging panel will select the winning teams based on their overall performance across technical excellence, innovation, impact, and presentation. - Winners will be announced the day after the finalist demos, and prizes will be awarded to the top-performing teams. # **Reviewing Hackathon Submissions:** - Initial Review: Organizing committee conducts initial review of submissions for eligibility and adherence to entry requirements. - Technical Evaluation: Expert judges evaluate technical aspects of qualified submissions, assessing integration with Akash Networks GPU marketplace, AI application quality, and effectiveness of network enhancement tools. - Impact Assessment: Judges assess the potential impact and scalability of shortlisted projects, considering their relevance to real-world challenges and contribution to the decentralized computing ecosystem. - Presentation and Q&A Session: Finalists are invited to present their projects during a live virtual event, followed by a Q&A session with the judging panel. - Selection of Winners: Judges deliberate and select winning teams based on overall performance across technical excellence, innovation, impact, and presentation. - Announcement: Winners are announced the day after the closing ceremony of the hackathon, and prizes are awarded to the top-performing teams. # Support If you have any questions throughout the duration of the hackathon, join the Akash Discord and checkout the Akashathon² hackers channel [Hackathon Support](https://discord.com/channels/747885925232672829/1223384958765371534) # About Akash The World's Premier Decentralized Compute Marketplace Akash is an open network that lets users buy and sell computing resources securely and efficiently. Purpose-built for public utility. - Developer resources: https://akash.network/docs/