Interledger Foundation | Hackathon FAQ

Question 1

Who can join?

Answer

Anyone over 18 years old who wants to learn more about Open Payments and loves to build and tinker is welcome to register.

Question 2

When does the application window close?

Answer

The application window closes two weeks before the hackathon.

Question 3

How can I apply?

Answer

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.

Question 4

Do I need prior experience with Open Payments?

Answer

No. The hackathon is designed for both beginners and experienced developers.

Question 5

Do I need to build a complete product?

Answer

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.

Question 6

Do I have to do a demo at the event?

Answer

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.

Question 7

What should I build first?

Answer

Get one successful payment working. Everything else can be built from there.

Question 8

Can I use AI?

Answer

Yes. Any AI tools used during development must be disclosed in your submission.

Question 9

What makes a strong project?

Answer

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

Question 10

Where can I get help?

Answer

Use the documentation, community channels, workshops, mentors, and other participants throughout the hackathon.

Question 11

Do I need to use Open Payments (OP) to qualify for prizes?

Answer

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.

Question 12

Does my GitHub repository need to be public?

Answer

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.

Question 13

What languages or technologies must I use?

Answer

There are no restrictions on languages or tech stack. You just need to incorporate the Interledger Open Payments API into your solution.

Question 14

What would disqualify me from participating or winning?

Answer

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 24-hour hackathon timeframe would be grounds for disqualification. Finally, failure to use the Open Payments APIs in your solution will be grounds to be disqualified.

Question 15

What are the judging criteria?

Answer

Judges will be looking at the quality of your idea, the potential impact of your solution, and how well you implemented it.

Question 16

How much does it cost to participate?

Answer

Participation is completely free, but spots are limited.

Question 17

Can I participate in more than one team or project?

Answer

No, each participant may only be part of one team and one project.

Question 18

Can I participate alone?

Answer

Yes, you can participate individually or in teams of up to four people.

Question 19

Will there be mentors available during the event?

Answer

Yes, technical and subject-matter mentors will be available throughout the event to help and guide your team.

Question 20

What if I don’t finish my project?

Answer

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.

Question 21

Is transportation or accommodation provided?

Answer

No, participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

Question 22

Should I bring my own computer?

Answer

Yes. Bring your own laptop, charger, and any necessary adapters.

Question 23

Will there be food during the event?

Answer

Yes, snacks and light meals will be provided during the event.

Question 24

In what language should the project be developed and presented?

Answer

Projects can be developed and presented in English and/or Spanish; translation will be available.

Question 25

Will this be online or in person?

Answer

In person. The Interledger ecosystem and student hackathons are hosted in person only.

Question 26

Will you assign teammates?

Answer

No. If you need teammates, you can join the designated hackathon Slack channel to connect with others and form a team. Please note that each team member must complete the application form.

Question 27

Do I need to use a specific email to apply?

Answer

Yes. To be eligible, you must apply using your official school email address (e.g. yourname@university.edu).

Question 28

Who can participate?

Answer

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.

Question 29

Can I participate if I study at an institution other than the host venue?

Answer

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.

Question 30

Can you tell me about the Platzi course and the scholarship?

Answer

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