Getting into Web3 via Hackathons. đź’»
The Web3 is NOT the new internet. For me, at least. The Web3 works better with Web2. For now, at least. That said because there is bound to be a lot more changes regarding how we use technology in the future. Progress is inevitable. Well, all that said: The Web3 presents so many financial rewards for those who seek to find the prize! This is somewhat the point of this article. Especially if you are thinking: Why should I get into Web3?
The Web3 at this time is a lot like the web2 post the dot-com bubble. Right when giants in the space and everyone who had the berth to organize hackathons went about doing just that: “organize hackathons”. The fluff was done and it was time to get serious! That is how it is with web3, especially since after the end of the ICO era. Well, why then do I recommend you get into web3 via Hackathons?
Get this: There are other ways to get into web3. I recommend Hackathons as I accidentally got into web3 by participating in Hackathons. That is another article for some other time. That said; Hackathons are great for the following reasons:
- There is the opportunity to turn an idea into an actual product with a real world use case.
- You can find a community of like minded people in the technology used for the Hackathon or a community around the product itself.
- There is an opportunity to learn either by sessions organized by the hackathon organizers or when you run into bugs and have to find a fix.
- There is the promise of financial rewards when you win a Hackathon prize!
It is 2021 and post Covid-19 there is still somewhat restrictions on physical activities and this in itself is an advantage for Hackathon organizers and participants as a whole lot more people can participate in hackathons and have the opportunity to build and bring their ideas to life. Not to mention that this ensures organizations do not have to spend more funds which are required when Hackathons demand physical participation.
What is in it for organizations who are hosting Hackathons and giving away Millions of $ in prizes?
I can speak about this as I have worked as part of the Developer community to bring the Hackathon organized by a big brand to our developers. Also, in my current role as DevRel at Covalent, I organize Hackathons with my team.
- Hackathons are a way for companies to put their product in the hands of users and have it “battle-tested”.
- It is also a way to get more users for the product. If the product is kickass, it then becomes a way to get developers who invite others to the users.
- The incentive to win a prize for the Hackathon is already a natural way to magnetize developers.
That said, the critical point here is Hackathons are a way companies put their products in the hands of users. These companies also offer training resources to developers and this is to ensure that developers get onboarding on how to build with their or on top of their product very fast. Hackathons could run from a few hours to days, weeks or even months. This then represents how easy it is to get more users into web3. The companies organizing web3 hackathons offer training sessions via webinars, learning materials such as articles this then ensures that users learn quickly and gain confidence in building with the associated tool, thus making it easy for users to pick up the new technology.
I’ll conclude this piece by mentioning the go to forums to find web3 hackathons in the space. Please note this is based on my personal opinion and should be not be taken as a stamp of approval. That said:
- Gitcoin is dedicated to web3 activities and companies often offer Hackathons via the site.
- Then there is HackerLink.
- EthGlobal
You can never go wrong with a simple google search for ongoing Hackathons. It will be a delight if you come to Hack using our API at Covalent!
I wish you well on your quest to get into web3 and may the odds be in your favour!
If you do want to ever have a conversation about web3, you can reach out to me on Twitter @emma_odia
Join Coinmonks Telegram Channel and Youtube Channel learn about crypto trading and investing
