Neo, the open-source, community-driven blockchain platform, has announced the launch of its new APAC Hackathon in partnership with OKX. With in-person events across six cities in Asia, Neo's Seoul event takes place September 1st and 2nd where elite Web3 developers can showcase their skills and forge valuable connections. For those who may not be able to attend, there will be virtual sessions and workshops so all those interested can get involved. We sat down with Erik Zhang, Founder of Neo, to hear more.
Q: Neo just launched its new Hackathon with events in six cities across Asia including Seoul and a prestigious celebration for winners in Hong Kong in October. Can you tell me a bit more about what Neo hopes to achieve with the Hackathon?
Here at Neo, we are all about developing strong communities, whether it is the global Neo community or the wider developer community all across Asia and further afield. As the community-driven blockchain platform, we’ve teamed up with OKX for this Hackathon to attract and support the finest in blockchain and Web3 talent across the APAC region, and to really introduce people to the capabilities that developing on Neo provides.
I would like to note that Neo supports all the main, popular programming languages including Java, Python, C# and more, meaning those Web2 developers curious about getting involved with Web3 now have a perfect opportunity. It can be a big leap for some, but I’m proud to say we have ongoing training and workshops, complete with mentoring from the Neo team, so I would encourage all developers to get involved!
For seasoned Web3 developers, we are also for the first time opening our Hackathon to EVM-based projects in line with our ethos as a driver of collaboration and innovation. We acknowledge the critical role of cross-chain collaboration in the industry, and we aim to attract and support talented developers who are engaged in cross-chain innovation.
Our Seoul event runs September 1st and 2nd at Seocho-gu and those interested can register on our website. South Korea has long been recognized as a pioneer in tech development, so it was the obvious choice for our GAS Station. For those who aren’t available to attend in person, there’s no need to worry as projects can be submitted online too.
Through our Hackathon, we aim to support developers in South Korea and the wider APAC region. We have a total prize pool of $120,000 for winners and a post-Hackathon grant fund of $1 million provided by the Neo foundation to support winners and foster Web3 growth, alongside ongoing peer support from the global Neo community, as I’m sure all developers building on Neo will echo!
Q: The in-person events cover a wide area across the APAC region. Why was Asia chosen to host the Hackathon?
Neo’s community spans the globe with many of our world-renowned developers based across Asia, and we look forward to making more strong connections in South Korea. Many hands make light work, as the saying goes. Neo is a collaborative project with everyone working towards the common goal of realizing a Smart Economy where the physical and digital worlds converge, all powered by blockchain technology. From our perspective, community grants and support ensure the direction of Neo is driven by the most important aspect; community.
We saw a huge opportunity to foster Web3 growth across Asia in line with recent positive regulatory developments in the region, and we have been watching these developments closely. We recognize the immense potential of the Asian blockchain and crypto landscape, and we wish to support those working in the industry and forge strong connections with developers.
Q: Do you see a lot of potential here in South Korea for developers?
Of course! South Korea is a great place to be if you’re interested in Web3 development. For example, the iconic smart city of Songdo showcases a perfect example of how innovative and emerging technologies can be integrated into, and improve, daily life, much like how the Neo community is focused on driving the Smart Economy.
Korea Blockchain Week is also happening around the time of our Hackathon, bringing together the brightest minds in industry. It is fantastic to see such energy in the blockchain community all coming together with events such as these, and really supporting the established network in South Korea.
Recent positive regulatory developments really showcase South Korea, and the wider APAC region, as a fantastic area to be working as a developer. South Korea has a long history of blockchain innovation and I’m sure as regulatory frameworks become clearer, it will no doubt cement itself as a driver of Web3 innovation and progress. For those wishing to make an impact, South Korea is the place to be.
We are eagerly looking forward to discovering the most promising Web3 innovators and projects in South Korea and the APAC region, and really strengthening the influence of the fantastic developer community here.
Q: How can developers get involved with the Seoul Hackathon? Can you give an idea of what people should know before taking part?
Participants at our Seoul Hackathon can develop across five categories: DeFi and Payment; NFT and Gaming; AI, Social and DAO; Infrastructure and Tooling; and General. There are a variety of prizes for winners, including our top prizes for two winning teams at our Seoul GAS Station who will receive $5,000 each and AWS vouchers worth an extra $5,000. These winning teams will then go on to our finale in Hong Kong - where they will receive travel grants to attend - to compete for a grand prize of $10,000 for each category.
If participating in our GAS Station isn't feasible, those interested still have the option to submit projects online. Among these online submissions, 10 teams will be shortlisted and awarded travel grantsYes to join the Hong Kong finale. Projects can be submitted online on our dedicated webpage.
Team registration will run until September 24th. Project submissions will be accepted virtually alongside our in-person events until the same day.
I would also encourage aspiring teams to read our Hackathon Handbook, which is available to view.
We look forward to supporting even more developers in South Korea and really helping them to flourish.
