Tracks
AI & Agents
Intermediate
Collaborative Multi-Agent Marketplace: Leverage Agent 2 Agent (A2A) protocol to create a network of AI agents that buy and sell digital goods or data. You can use the Hedera Agent Kit, x402, or AP2
Basic
Create a verifiable on-chain Agent: Use the Hedera ERC-8004 Smart Contracts to deploy a trustless AI Agent on-chain
Total Prize Pool
$24,500
This track challenges builders to explore the fusion of AI-driven agents with decentralized infrastructure by creating marketplaces, coordination layers, and tools where autonomous actors can think, transact, and collaborate—leveraging Hedera’s fast, low-cost microtransactions and secure consensus to unlock the rise of transparent, autonomous economies.
Prize Eligibility Rule
Each participant can only win one prize within a single track.
If you join the Main Track, you cannot also join the Beginner Problem Statement or Advanced Problem Statement.
Similarly, if you participate in the Beginner Problem Statement, you cannot also join the Main Track.
In short: choose 1 track only.
SUBMIT HERE
$10,000
$6,000
$4,000
DeFi & Tokenization
Intermediate
DeFi Gamification: Develop a dApp on Hedera that gamifies DeFi actions by turning activities such as staking or providing liquidity into “quests.” The dApp should track users’ on-chain activity and automatically reward them with unique tokens or NFT badges upon completing these predefined quests, creating an engaging and interactive DeFi experience.
Basic
NFT Receipt System: Build a simple dApp where every transaction mints an NFT receipt, demonstrating how HTS can record proof of payments. The dApp should allow users to perform basic on-chain actions through different buttons (e.g., “Buy” or “Register”), and after a successful transaction, it should mint and send the user an NFT via HTS as an immutable, on-chain proof of purchase or action.
Total Prize Pool
$24,500
This track challenges builders to push DeFi beyond standalone protocols by creating interoperable, composable systems—ranging from cross-chain bridges and synthetic assets to tokenized real-world assets and programmable payment rails—leveraging Hedera’s high throughput, low fees, and secure consensus to shape the next generation of decentralized finance.
$10,000
$6,000
$4,000
Sustainability
Basic
Mint carbon offsets or credits. Using an existing methodology from the open-source library or creating a new one, use the Guardian to mint non-fungible tokens representing at least 100 metric tons of carbon offsets or credits.
Intermediate
Mint and retire carbon tokens. Using an existing methodology from the open-source library or creating a new one, use the Guardian to mint at least 100 metric tons of carbon offsets or credits, and 100 metric tons of carbon emissions. Retire the offsets or credits against the emissions.
Total Prize Pool
$24,500
This track empowers builders to create financial systems that promote ecological and social impact—developing incentive mechanisms, on-chain verification tools, community-driven models, and marketplaces that reward regeneration and channel value back to the planet and society—leveraging Hedera’s low-carbon, energy-efficient network to build economies that give more than they take.
$10,000
$6,000
$4,000
Edge & IoT Infrastructure (DePIN)
Intermediate
Create an MLAT algorithm from 4DSky Mode-s data (1x $2000 & $1000 prize)
Basic
Connect to Neuron DePIN network via SDK and stream data into a test application
Total Prize Pool
$24,500
This track invites builders to design decentralized systems where devices, energy networks, and sensors coordinate securely—exploring IoT trust layers, smart grid payments, digital twins, and DePIN incentives—while leveraging Hedera’s speed, fairness, and low-cost microtransactions to create scalable, trustworthy infrastructure that bridges the digital and physical worlds.
$10,000
$6,000
$4,000
Open Track
Total Prize Pool
$20,000
This track invites visionaries to experiment, remix, and innovate with bold ideas that don’t fit traditional categories—building verifiable healthcare systems, transparent supply chains, efficient logistics frameworks, or entirely new DLT use cases—while leveraging Hedera’s efficiency and reliability as a sandbox for solutions that could reshape industries or create new ones.
Extra money for side quest/ prize winners for problem statements.
$10,000
$6,000
$4,000
Legacy Builders
Total Prize Pool
$20,000
For returning participants from past Hedera Hackathons, including Origins, to build on previous ideas or apply their experience to new concepts. This track is for deeper exploration, refinement, or reinvention. Eligibility requires prior participation in a Hedera Hackathon, with improvements made during the Ascension period.
$10,000
$6,000
$4,000
Bounty
Participate in Ascension with a valid submission:
You will get a developer NFT (StackUp)
Prove Your Hashgraph Skills
Total Prize Pool
$2,000
Course Completion & On-Chain Activity
Complete the Hashgraph Developer Course and show your on-chain activity to earn a reward.
Prize Eligibility Rule
03 November - 21 November 11:59 PM
Individual Bounty
Action
The first 50 registered participants to submit the following will receive USD $40:
Certificate of Completion for the Building on Hedera course.
Proof of on-chain activity done during the hackathon.
Note
This side quest is optional and does not affect your eligibility to join or win the hackathon.
Open to individual participants only. You just need to be registered for the hackathon.
Ask-Mentor-Anything Challenge
Total Prize Pool
$3,000
Challenge Submission for Individual and Teams
Prize Eligibility Rule
03 November - 21 November 11:59 PM
Team & Individual Bounty
Action
Challenge for Individuals — Submit & Show Up:
Submit at least one thoughtful question for the mentors.
Attend the live AMA session.
Only the first 100 individuals who submitted a question and attends the AMA will qualify for the NFT.
Challenge for Teams — Earn a $40 reward by scheduling and completing a one-on-one session with your mentors after the AMA:
First 50 teams to schedule and attend a one-on-one mentor session will earn an additional $40 reward.
Mentors will record your team name + representative’s email in Zepspace (AMA space) to confirm participation.
Bonus Raffle: USD $1,000 + Hedera Swags!
5 lucky teams winning $200 each.
Submit a question and attend any AMA session to earn a raffle entry + win some Hedera swag!
Feedback Challenge
Total Prize Pool
$1,500
Tell Us What You Think
Give us your comments on our program
Prize Eligibility Rule
03 November - 05 December 11:59 PM
Individual Bounty
Action
The first 50 individuals to submit feedback via the this [form], along with a valid main track submission, will each receive USD $30.
Tip: Complete this towards the end or after finishing your project.
Ascension Hackathon Promotion Challenge
Total Prize Pool
$2,500
Share & Inspire
Create a social media post to enter the $2,500 raffle — 10 winners will receive $250 each!
Prize Eligibility Rule
Throughout the Entire Hackathon
Individual Bounty
Action
How to Participate:
Post on any of your social media and include the Ascension Hackathon link to invite your friends and network to join.
Use the hashtags: #HederaHackathon #HelloFutureAscension.
Submit your entry using this
SUBMIT HERE
Raffle winners will be announced on a rolling basis during the hackathon
Hackathon Referral Challenge
Total Prize Pool
$3,000
Share & Inspire
Earn $30 by being among the first 100 individuals to refer a team that submits a valid hackathon submission!
Prize Eligibility Rule
Before the hackathon
Individual Bounty (participant should refer a brand new individual who is going to form a brand new team)
Action
Only new teams are eligible. Teams from Origins do not qualify.
Just submit the team rep’s full name and the team name using this