About the Hackathon
## Overview
The next generation of the internet demands **million-TPS scalability, end-to-end privacy, and true decentralization.**
Psy Protocol *achieves this through* with its **PARTH architecture, PoW 2.0, end-to-end zero-knowledge proofs, and programmable identities (SDKeys)**—a fair, private, verifiable, and infinitely scalable network for users, developers, and AI agents.
**Psy: Ascend Hack 2025** is the launchpad for builders to bring this vision to life:
- **Open innovation:** DeFi, DEX, NFT, RWA, GameFi, infrastructure, and experimental dApps
- **Technical breakthroughs:** protocol design, security, cross-chain, UX, incentive models
- **Real adoption:** take projects from concept → demo → ecosystem impact
## What Can You Build?
Choose your own track—applications, infra, or protocol innovation. Psy encourages builders to go beyond MVPs: design for **scalability, security, interoperability, UX, and sustainable incentives**.
Example directions:
- **Apps:** NFT launchpads, DEXs, wallets, dApps
- **Protocol layer:** cross-chain, privacy + high TPS, incentive mechanisms
- **Explorations:** AI × identity × RWA experiments
Whether it’s a demo, an experiment, or an early startup prototype—if it expands the edge of Psy, you can earn a spot on the Demo Day stage.
## Prizes & Rewards
💰 **$9,000+ prize pool + hardware rewards**
🏆 Beyond monetary rewards: ecosystem incubation, funding connections, and media exposure for standout teams.
**AwardWinnersPrize**
🏆 Champion（1）$3,000 + iPad Air
🌟 Excellence Award（2）$1,500 + ROG Keyboard
💡 Creativity Award（3）$1,000 + BOSE Bluetooth Headphones
## Judging
## Submission Requirements
**Mandatory:**
- Public GitHub repo with README
- Demo video (≤3 minutes)
**Optional:**
- Pitch deck (problem → solution → roadmap)
**Presentation:**
- All finalist teams must present live during the Demo Day.
**Additional Requirements:**
- Projects must demonstrate scalability and security.
- Integration with existing systems/workflows will be emphasized.
- Core development must be done in **Rust**.
## Timeline
- **Sep 10** — Registration opens
- **Late Sep – Mid Nov** — Workshops, technical training, and community activities
- **Nov 10** — Submission deadline
- **Late Nov** — Online Demo Day Preselection
- **Late Dec** — Offline Demo Day Finals & Award Ceremony
## Mentors & Judges
- **Carter Feldman** — Founder & CEO of Psy Protocol
- Tech visionary & evangelist, Independent Director at NIP Group
- X: [@cmpeq](https://x.com/cmpeq)
- **Mystery Judges ×3**
- Renowned figures from technology and investment circles
## Developer Resources
- 📖 Official Docs: [https://psy.xyz](https://psy.xyz/)
- 💻 Developer Portal: [https://psy.xyz/docs](https://psy.xyz/docs)
- 😄 Rust Tutorial (CN): [https://www.runoob.com/rust/rust-tutorial.html](https://www.runoob.com/rust/rust-tutorial.html)
## Call to Action
**Psy: Ascend Hack 2025 is more than a hackathon—** it’s your chance to help shape the foundation of the **next free and open internet**.
💡 If you want to:
- Explore the endless possibilities of combining privacy with scalability
- Leave your mark at the intersection of Web3 and AI
- Compete alongside global builders and top-tier judges
👉 Join now and **ascend to new heights!**
