Build In Public Hackathon - $3M for Builders

Apply to Build in Public

The application is designed to capture who you are, what you want to build and information about your previous experience.

Applications are open now

The hackathon application is open until February 18 at 23:59 EST. Teams may begin working at any time by launching a token and submitting an application.


To be eligible, a team must have a live token at the time of application. Applications without a live token, or from teams that do not treat the token as a core part of the project, will not be considered.


Teams apply for investment by submitting an idea, a token, and a short video. Only projects that receive validation from the market will be eligible to receive investment.

20Days
21Hours
54Minutes
42Seconds

Requirements

Participation requirements

To participate, all teams must meet the following requirements:

  • A token must be launched by February 18 at 23:59 EST

  • Team must own at least 10% of the token supply

  • Teams must build in public throughout the program

  • Teams must complete the application form with all required information

  • Projects must comply with the platform’s Terms of Service

  • Team members may not sell their own tokens at any time during the program, engage in insider trading, or act in bad faith toward token holders

Founders who gain ownership of a token through a CTO (token Takeover), rather than launching the token themselves, are eligible to apply, provided they comply with all other requirements from the moment the CTO occurs.

Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in disqualification.

Preferences

Admission preferences

While not required, preference is given to teams that:

  • Actively share updates, progress, and narrative content on X and other social platforms

  • Use the live-streaming feature at least five times per week to build trust with their community

  • Engage directly with supporters and respond to feedback in public

  • Control approximately 20 to 50% of the total token supply

Evaluation

Evaluation and decision making

Projects are evaluated continuously throughout the program. Key signals include:

  • The ability to gain and sustain positive market traction for the token

  • The potential of the idea to scale and attract broad user interest

  • Consistency and quality of building in public

  • Strength of community engagement and organic demand

  • Founder discipline, credibility, and execution ability

The market provides the initial signal. Final investment decisions are made by Pump Fund based on observed traction, transparency, and founder behavior.

Investment

Investment terms

  • $250,000 in initial funding at a $10 million valuation via a token deal

  • Ongoing advisory and incubation support from Pump Fund

  • Funding restricted to operational expenses only

  • A one-year cliff followed by linear vesting for both the project and investors

Complete the Google Form to apply.

Apply now

The first winning project will receive funding in the next four weeks.