Hackathon
Choose a sponsor lane. Build what’s next. Win some dope prizes.
San FranciscoThree days
Free stay at the WMax team size: 2
From hotel check-in to final demos.
Arrive · choose · begin
- Arrive
Check in at the W
Drop your bags, collect your badge, and meet the room.
- Gather
Meet the builders
Find collaborators and get the weekend brief.
- Choose your route
Choose one or more lanes.

- Vercel
- Bankr
Dimes- Mystery
- Kickoff
Sponsor briefs revealed
Sponsors reveal the challenge, tools, and prize.
- Build 01
Make the first version
Choose the idea, set the scope, and build a working first pass.
- Dinner
Dinner with every builder
Share dinner, then keep building or rest.
Build · test · gather
- Reset
Breakfast and check-in
Name what works, what is blocked, and what matters next.
- Build 02
Deep work and mentor rounds
Turn the first pass into something useful, clear, and yours.
- Review
Get your app roasted
Put it in front of the room. Take the critique, fix what is weak, and sharpen the demo.
- Dinner
Dinner, then the final push
Chintan and Kevin cook for the builders. Eat together, then cut what does not serve the final build.
Finish · judge · celebrate
- Finish
Finish and submit
Finish the core experience. Record a short demo. Submit.
- Judge
Lane review, then final demos
Sponsors review lane fit. Standout builds reach the final panel.
- Finale
Winners announced
We close with the strongest builds and the people behind them.
Make it yours. Make it work.
Show the build, credit the work, and make the demo easy to follow.
Show what you made.
- Project name and one-line purpose
- Source repository and working demo
- Short video of the project in use
- Chosen lanes, sponsor tools, and team credits
Own the work.
- 01
Build the judged work here. Public libraries and starter kits are fine.
- 02
Keep clear version history and credit reused code, assets, and meaningful AI assistance.
- 03
Meet each chosen lane requirement, submit on time, and show the project working.
- 04
Respect the room. Harassment, cheating, or unsafe behavior means removal.
Original. Useful. Working. Clear.
Lane judges check sponsor fit; final-panel conflicts step aside.
- 01
Original
A distinct idea or sharp new take.
- 02
Useful
Clear value for the people it serves.
- 03
Working
A reliable core with sound choices.
- 04
Clear
A focused demo anyone can follow.
Build. Eat. Rest.
Confirmed builders get the full arrival guide. We will collect dietary and accessibility needs.
- W Hotel stay
- Meals and build fuel
- Venue access
What to know before kickoff.
Can I enter more than one lane?
Yes. Enter every lane your project genuinely meets.
Do I need a team before I arrive?
No. Arrive with a team or meet collaborators at check-in. Team-size guidance follows.
Can I use open source or AI?
Yes. Use them as tools, keep clear human ownership, and disclose what you reused or generated.
What should I bring?
Bring a laptop, charger, identification, and what you need for three days. A packing note follows.
What is covered at the W Hotel?
Confirmed builders receive W Hotel details before the event.