Frequently Asked Questions
1. Eligibility & Registration
Who can join?
Anyone over 18 years old who wants to learn more about Open Payments and loves to build and tinker is welcome to register.
When does the application window close?
The application window closes two weeks before the hackathon.
How can I apply?
Choose from our list of upcoming hackathons and follow the link to the registration site on the DevFolio platform. You’ll find all the application steps there.
Can I participate in more than one team or project?
No, each participant may only be part of one team and one project.
Can I participate alone?
No, you must apply as part of a team of 4 or 5.
Will you assign teammates?
No. You must find your teammates and apply as a team.
2. Building Your Project
Do I need prior experience with Open Payments?
No. The hackathon is designed for both beginners and experienced developers.
Do I need to build a complete product?
No. Focus on demonstrating a clear payment experience and working prototype.
Your entry should represent a working Proof of Concept (POC) that demonstrates a tangible solution using the Interledger Open Payments API.
While it doesn't need to be a polished, production-level application, the POC should actively showcase the practicality and potential of your solution.
What should I build first?
Get one successful payment working. Everything else can be built from there.
Can I use AI?
Yes. Any AI tools used during development must be disclosed in your submission. More details can be found in your participant pack.
What makes a strong project?
Projects that:
- Solve one problem well
- Demonstrate a working payment flow
- Focus on user value
- Are easy to explain
- Show thoughtful use of Open Payments
What languages or technologies must I use?
There are no restrictions on languages or tech stack. You just need to incorporate the Interledger Open Payments API into your solution.
Do I need to use Open Payments (OP) to qualify for prizes?
Yes. Open Payments integration is a mandatory requirement for all hackathon submissions. Projects that do not incorporate the Open Payments API will not be eligible for judging or prizes.
Does my GitHub repository need to be public?
Yes. All project repositories must be publicly accessible to allow judges and code reviewers to easily access, test, and evaluate your code. Private repositories will not be considered for judging unless otherwise approved by the hackathon organizers.
Where can I get help?
Use the documentation, community channels, workshops, mentors, and other participants throughout the hackathon.
Will there be mentors available during the event?
Yes, technical and subject-matter mentors will be available throughout the event to help and guide your team.
3. Judging, Demo & Prizes
Do I have to do a demo at the event?
Yes, all teams must be prepared to present. However, mentors will select the teams short-listed to present. Presentations to the judges and other attendees will be on Day 2.
What are the judging criteria?
Judges will be looking at the quality of your idea, the potential impact of your solution, and how well you implemented it. Evaluation criteria can vary slightly from event to event so please check your Participant Guide for more information.
Awarding points out of 5 is based on the following scoring guide:
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 Not met | The problem or solution is unclear. The solution fails to address the problem. There is no working prototype or coherent concept. |
| 1 Minimal | The quality of the problem or solution definition is low. There are large gaps in executing the solution. There is little evidence that Open Payments has been used, or that the solution is functional. |
| 2 Emerging / Partial | Some features are functional, however core features are largely incomplete or unstable. There are major limitations in the solution & it only partially addresses the stated problem. |
| 3 Meets expectations | The demo is functional & the core features are stable & work reliably. The team clearly describes the problem, their approach & the solution addresses the problem adequately. |
| 4 Strong / Exceeds expectations | The demo is polished & the solution is well-scoped with measurable impact. The solution addresses the problem well. There is well thought-out & clearly articulated scope for expansion or scaling, beyond the initially defined context of the problem. The solution & demo show technical depth. |
| 5 Exemplary / Outstanding | The demo is exceptional, the solution is novel & technically impressive. The application of multiple technologies stands out, showing advanced critical thinking that goes beyond the initial problem statement. There is a viable pathway for deployment supported by a well considered go-to-market strategy. |
What would disqualify me from participating or winning?
Reasons for disqualification depend on the situation. These include failure to comply with the terms and conditions, participation requirements, or the code of conduct. Similarly, submitting work or code that has been done or produced outside of the hackathon timeframe would be grounds for disqualification. Finally, failure to use the Open Payments APIs in your solution will be grounds to be disqualified.
What if I don’t finish my project?
To present your solution to the judges, the project must be completed. If you don’t finish it on time, unfortunately, you won’t be able to present it during the final stage. We encourage you to manage your time wisely and make the most of all available resources to complete your project.
4. At the event
Will this be online or in person?
In person. The Interledger ecosystem and student hackathons are hosted in person only.
Should I bring my own computer?
Yes. Bring your own laptop, charger, and any necessary adapters.
Will there be food during the event?
Yes, snacks and light meals will be provided during the event.
Is transportation or accommodation provided?
No, participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
In what language should the project be developed and presented?
Projects can be developed and presented in English and/or Spanish; translation will be available.
5. Student Hackathons
Do I need to use a specific email to apply?
Yes. To be eligible, you must apply using your official school email address (e.g. yourname@university.edu).
Who can participate?
Students over 18 years old with an interest in participating are welcome. We invite you to review the terms and conditions for each specific student hackathon, available when you register for the hackathon.
Can I participate if I study at an institution other than the host venue?
Student hackathons are typically open to students from any educational institution and you do not need to be affiliated with the host venue to join. Please check the Ts&Cs for the specific student hackathon you’re interested in to confirm.
Can you tell me about the Platzi course and the scholarship?
This Open Payments course is a free course on Platzi that will prepare you to work with the Interledger technologies. If you finish the course and share your certificate in our Slack channel, you can receive 3 months of free access. Note, our winners will also receive free access;
- 1st Place - 12 months Platzi access
- 2nd Place - 6 months Platzi access
- 3rd Place - 6 months Platzi access
How to Access the Free Open Payments Course on Platzi
- Go to platzi.com and create a free account or log in.
- Access the course: Open Payments with Interledger.
- Complete the lessons and pass the final exam. (If you fail the exam, you must wait 6 hours before retrying.)
- Leave a short review: Share your feedback
- Share your certificate with us via Slack in the #interledger-platzi channel